Demand for solar power in New York City has never been higher. In fact, the Department of Buildings (DOB) reported that the number of permits issued in NYC for solar-power projects have increased 1,000% since 2012. According to a recent article in CRAIN’S New York, the DOB expects another 3,000 project sign-offs in 2016 alone.
Across the five boroughs, Queens and Staten Island have led the way in solar powered projects and Brooklyn has seen significant growth as well, filing five times more permits this year than in 2012. Solar power is clearly gaining popularity among smaller buildings owners; prices are falling, and solar is what makes most economical and environmental sense.
The surge in solar projects is attributed to the City’s streamlined permitting process, heightened electricity costs in 2013 and 2014, alongside the fact that solar technology is cheaper, and the state began offering a subsidy for the installation of panels in 2010. The changes to the permitting process were brought on by De Blasio’s ‘80 by 50 Climate Change’ plan which calls for an 80% reduction in emissions from 2005 levels by 2050.
Additionally, the administration’s plan aims to create 100 megawatts of renewable energy on public buildings by 2025. Last month, the City took a huge step in reaching this goal with the installation of 3,152 solar panels atop Building 293 at Brooklyn Navy Yard, a 300-acre industrial redevelopment project that Milrose has had the honor of providing code consulting and municipal filing services on.
President and CEO David Ehrenberg explained that the center's solar farm is a new take at environmental stewardship. “The solar farm, The Daily News reported in September, “is one of the largest in the city and is expected to generate 1.1 million kilowatt-hours of energy — enough to power 88 homes and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 1.4 million pounds annually.”
If you have questions or comments regarding municipal permitting regulations for solar-powered projects, please contact Milrose Consultants and we'll be happy to assist you.
