Solar Panels Installed In Sunnyside, Ozone Park
New York City has tripled its production of solar power by completing the installation of panels on city-owned buildings across the five boroughs, including locations in Astoria, Jackson Heights, Sunnyside and Ozone Park, the Mayor’s office announced on Monday, Apr. 9.
The 10 projects increase the city’s total solar production to 648 kilowatts- enough to power 143 households- and will cut 205 metric tons of carbon emissions, as well as save money on annual energy costs.
The Mayor’s office also announced that the city’s first “green” hackathon, “Reinvent Green,” will launch this summer to spur the de- velopment of digital tools that empower New Yorkers to engage in sustainable practices.
“In clean tech, New York City is leading by example and the solar projects we’ve completed will generate clean, affordable energy while cutting our carbon emissions and energy costs-goals that are central to our Administration’s sustainability agenda, PlaNYC,” said Mayor Bloomberg at a Monday press conference. “We’re also committed to tapping into the power of the private sector and with the success of startups like Efficiency 2.0, we are making our city the place to be for innovation.”
The 10 solar project sites have a total solar photovoltaic capacity of 428 kilowatts, tripling the city’s current production and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also creating energy cost savings.
The projects were funded through federal grants distributed through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The city Department for Citywide Administrative Services oversaw the various agencies’ projects, with the help of the New York Power Authority.
The project sites include the 114th Precinct stationhouse at 34-16 Astoria Blvd. in Astoria; the 115th Precinct stationhouse at 92-15 Northern Blvd. in Jackson Heights, the FDNY’s R&T Repair Shop at 48-67 34th St. in Sunnyside, the Department of Transportation’s Queens Maintenance Shop, located at 88-26 Pitkin Ave. in Ozone Park; and a Department of Sanitation garage at 153- 67 146th Ave. in Springfield Gardens.
Other sites include the Bronx’s 48th Precinct stationhouse, Brandeis High School in Manhattan, FDNY Engine Co. 168 in Staten Island, New Horizon High School in Brooklyn; and a Department of Sanitation garage in Brooklyn.
