Grand Island, NY (September 5, 2024) – Nautilus Solar Energy® and local dignitaries yesterday celebrated the opening of a 5.5-megawatt (MW) community solar project in Grand Island, NY. New York Senator Sean Ryan, Luke Marchiori, Executive Vice President of EnergyMark, Councilmember Christian Bahleda of Grand Island, and members of the community were in attendance to celebrate this significant milestone in renewable energy.
"We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of our community solar project in Grand Island. This milestone brings us closer to providing clean, affordable energy to all New Yorkers. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the local town of Grand Island and our partners for their invaluable support in making this project a reality. Together, we are driving New York toward a sustainable future," said Eric LaMora, Executive Director of Community Solar at Nautilus Solar Energy.
New York State Senator Sean Ryan said, "Between the low-cost hydropower generated by Niagara Falls and our growing solar industry, Western New York has become the beating heart of New York’s clean energy transition. As our society becomes increasingly reliant on solar power and other renewable energy sources, keeping our state and region at the forefront of that development will help our economy remain strong. Thank you to Nautilus for bringing this project and its affordable, reliable energy to Grand Island. Projects like this one create strong, local jobs and are crucial to ensuring a healthy environment for future generations."
“EnergyMark is proud to be involved in the Grand Island Community Solar project! This demonstrates our ongoing commitment to advancing clean energy development and providing our customers with significant monthly savings on their electricity bills. Getting a large-scale solar project across the finish line can be difficult, so this is a true testament to the hard work of the town of Grand Island, Nautilus, and all the stakeholders involved with this great project,” said Luke Marchiori, Executive Vice President of EnergyMark.
Community solar is one of the fastest growing sectors of the New York clean energy industry, providing locally produced, affordable clean energy to everyone. Community solar not only provides cost savings but also aids in grid reliability and resilience, creates local jobs and economic development for the local community, and boosts infrastructure development, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The project provides equitable, affordable access to renewable energy to 850 local subscribers and one commercial business within National Grid utility territory. Boasting an annual production of 8.35 million kWh, this solar farm is poised to make a significant impact on the environment. It has the potential to offset nearly 6,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to removing 1,400 cars from the roads. Nautilus is the long-term owner of the community solar projects and is responsible for the energy production, maintaining its long-term performance, and managing customer subscriptions.
The community solar project in Grand Island aligns with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Projection act (Climate Act), which mandates 70% of the State’s electricity come from renewable resources by 2030 and ensure that at least a 35% carveout for disadvantaged communities (DAC) and low-to-moderate income (LMI) subscribers.
The Empire State has become the largest community solar market for Nautilus, with nearly 200MW in development and operation and 16,000 subscribers. Residents interested in subscribing to community solar can go to www.nautilussolar.com/#smpr. Small to mid-size commercial businesses in Western and Center New York who are interested in learning more about community solar opportunities should contact EnergyMark by visiting https://energymarkllc.com/contact/.
Photo Caption: At a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new community solar farm in Grand Island, NY, Nautilus Solar Energy® officially opened the 5.5MW solar project, which will bring affordable renewable energy to 850 local residents and one commercial business. Attendees included (left to right) community solar subscribers, representatives from Nautilus Solar Energy, Luke Marchiori, Executive Vice President of EnergyMark, New York State Senator Sean Ryan (center), Councilmember Christian Bahleda of Grand Island, Eric LaMora, Executive Director of Community Solar at Nautilus Solar Energy, and community members.
About Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC
Nautilus Solar Energy®, LLC is a leading community solar company, providing clean energy to residential and commercial customers in local communities. Nautilus operates and manages solar farms in 10 states and is responsible for financing, development, maintenance, and customer service for the lifetime of the project. Founded in 2006, Nautilus has helped shape the future of solar to provide an equitable and affordable renewable energy choice for all. Nautilus is owned by Power Sustainable, a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Corporation of Canada. Power Sustainable is a multi-platform alternative asset manager with a long-term investment approach focused on sustainable strategies. For more information on Nautilus Solar Energy visit nautilussolar.com. Join Nautilus on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Contact:
Nautilus Solar Energy
Carlene Pruitt
908-795-3038 / Carlene@nautilussolar.com