Ecogy Energy and GreenSpark Solar have announced the completion of a community-solar-based system at the Ossining, New York, campus of Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers, a U.S. Catholic order of priests and brothers. The project consists of 12 solar carports from Quest Renewables spanning two parking lots.
“As Maryknoll Missioners, we hold environmentalism very close to our hearts, as this is God’s Earth,” remarked Maryknoll’s Superior General, Father Raymond Finch, “The stewardship of our environment is critical to continuance, just as self-preservation is critical to our own survival and that of our community. We are beyond grateful for the opportunity to provide clean resources to the community and contribute to saving our planet.”
The canopy solar project provides Maryknoll with covered parking, downward-facing LED parking lot lighting to increase nighttime security and a visible green initiative — all while extending 10% electricity bill discounts to Maryknoll and local community members through community solar.
“Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers has been an integral contributor to our community in the form of outreach, charitable action, diversity and inclusion education, and so much more,” remarked Dana Levenberg, Ossining Town Supervisor, “Maryknoll has always been a pillar of light to those in need, and so it seems only fitting that community-accessible clean electricity powered by the sun is their latest step on their mission.”
Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers has a long history of stewardship initiatives and operational changes that reduced the Society’s ecological footprint on the property, originally known as Sunset Hill. For many years, the entire campus has been powered by wind-generated energy. Other improvements include updated heating and electrical systems, insulation improvements, hybrid vehicles for the Missioners, recycled paper for their print shop, and many more sustainability advancements.
After careful consideration, Maryknoll chose Brooklyn-based developer, financier, and owner-operator Ecogy to continue its sustainability journey. The clean energy generated by this system is available for use via Ecogy’s community solar subscription program. Ecogy’s program enables the surrounding community to access clean energy with a simple subscription process, no cost to sign up, no cancellation fees, and a guaranteed 10% discount for subscribers.
Ecogy and Maryknoll also partnered with Sustainable Westchester, a nonprofit consortium of Westchester County local governments that facilitates effective collaboration on sustainability initiatives. Sustainable Westchester played a pivotal role in developing this community solar system by aiding in subscribing 30% of the system capacity with surrounding community households.
