Assemblyman Lentol Advocates for Solar Energy in North Brooklyn

February 7, 2013

Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol (D-North Brooklyn) will actively advocate for alternative energy solutions to remedy the long-term negative effects of climate change. The Assemblyman is a sponsor of the Solar Industry and Development Jobs Act (A.09149), which would create sustainable jobs, produce clean renewable energy, and reduce the long-term costs of electricity generation for New York's energy consumers.

He also voted in favor of a bill that was subsequently signed into law by Governor Cuomo in August, which provides tax credits for residents who install solar panels on their homes (A.00034).

Governor Cuomo also recently announced the appointment of Richard Kauffman as Chair of a newly formed Energy Policy and Finance Sub-Cabinet, further affirming the state’s commitment to pursuing innovative alternative energy solutions. This newly formed Sub-Cabinet will improve coordination of the state’s energy policy and further the establishment of New York as the national leader in the clean energy economy, while investing in energy infrastructure, solar power, and an electric vehicle network.

“The appointment of Mr. Richard Kauffman substantiates the state’s pledge to invest in energy infrastructure and provide solutions to the financial barriers that alternative energy poses,” Lentol added.

The state recently waived the 4 percent sales tax on the sale and installation of commercial solar energy system equipment (Ch. 406 of 2012). This incentive for business owners should jumpstart the installation of solar energy units, help local businesses save money on their energy bills, create more green jobs and help protect our environment.

“We must provide incentives for people to switch over to renewable energy, as the long-term benefits are not realized by residents in the short-term. In light of Superstorm Sandy, the topic of climate change has once again been brought to the forefront. We must find ways to curb our greenhouse gas emissions and utilizing tax credits is a step in the right direction,” he said.

Lentol noted that not only does he support the use of solar panels throughout New York State, his Assembly district (50) – largely compromised of North Brooklyn – serves as a perfect location for the use of solar panel technology. The area’s low level buildings and expansive rooftops are well suited for solar panels, while simultaneously providing unobstructed access to the sun’s rays.

“What better place to use solar panel technology than right here in North Brooklyn, many businesses and residents have made the initial investment and are leading the way in the community,” stated Lentol.

Not only does North Brooklyn serve as an ideal location for the use of solar panels, the neighborhood’s zoning designations also allow for the possibility of a full circle business cycle. Currently the manufacturing of solar panels is primarily done outside of the United States, yet North Brooklyn has the manufacturing zones to promote this type of production. Creating an industry for the manufacture, sale and use of solar panels in North Brooklyn could lead to a new self-sustaining industry within the neighborhood. Although the manufacturing of solar technology in North Brooklyn may take years to become reality, there have been countless examples of solar power being used within the area.

“Broadway Stages’ deployment of solar panel arrays covering the entire footprint of their sound studios is rather impressive. They clearly understand the importance of alternative energy and I am proud to have businesses in my district who are leading the way in preserving the future of our environment,” said Lentol.

Studio G, a successful recording studio in New York City, is another great example of a business leading the way in the utilization of alternative energy. While sounds are produced inside, solar energy is produced on their rooftop outside – an investment they believe will certainly pay off in the long run. Studio G is not alone, as solar panel use has been on the rise throughout New York City, yet their high start-up cost has prevented many business owners who would like to use them from making the initial investment. The further development of solar technology will certainly make it more affordable resulting in widespread use, as was seen with the development of computers in the 1990s.

“North Brooklyn has an opportunity to lead the way in solar technology, either through manufacturing or application,” he noted. “If we can find ways through legislation to make solar energy more affordable then we can create new jobs, help save the environment, all while saving people hundreds, or even thousands of dollars on energy costs every year.”

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