LATHAM, NEW YORK - After forming a beneficial partnership that has resulted in solar panel systems at NYSUT locations across the state, Monolith Solar Associates and the New York State United Teachers are proud to announce a major milestone in the energy-saving project; the completed installation of a 200-kilowatt solar system at NYSUT headquarters.
Monolith Solar, in partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), supplied the necessary investment capital for the installation of statewide systems ranging from the Buffalo and Syracuse regional offices to Potsdam and Williamsville. Plans are underway for solar at NYSUT's Rochester, Utica and Kingston regional offices.
The system at NYSUT's flagship location will result in immediate savings on energy bills in the first year of operation. Those savings will increase yearly as utilities companies rates continue to rise. Under the installation agreement, Monolith Solar will save NYSUT more than $70,000 over the next 20 years at their headquarters alone.
New York State United Teachers is a statewide union with more than 600,000 members in education, human services and health care.
"This initiative embodies NYSUT's commitment to energy conservation and vigilant stewardship of resources," said NYSUT President Karen E. Magee, noting that is responsive to resolutions passed by the unions policy-making representative assembly.
"Our members are individuals who dedicate themselves to a life of service," said Martin Messner, NYSUT secretary-treasurer. "By making the decision to go solar with Monolith, we will see immediate reductions in our energy costs, and those savings will continue for years to come, ensuring that additional resources are allocated to supporting our members."
"First, we'd like to thank NYSUT for providing unrivaled support for these valued members of community who make such a significant difference daily," said Mark Fobare, President and CEO of Monolith Solar Associates. "For an organization with such an expansive footprint across New York State that includes several locations, rising energy costs present a huge issue."
"Thanks to the new solar panel installations, NYSUT is able to look forward to reaping the benefits of lower energy costs for decades. We commend their forward-thinking decision to go solar, showing their organization is both on the cutting edge of technology, and personally invested in utilizing their funding to further their mission."
"As we approach the winter months, many organizations are already deducting much-needed funds from their budget in order to merely light and heat their facilities," said Steven Erby, Vice President of Monolith Solar Associates. "Our commercial solar panel programs are truly for everyone, and our priority is raising awareness about the overwhelming positive effect solar can have on the bottom line."
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About Monolith Solar Associates: Founded in 2009, Monolith Solar Associates provides solar solutions to a wide variety of private and public institutions and individuals. Today, the company's projects together generate over 10MM kilowatt-hours of renewable energy each year, enough to power 2,000 homes.
About NYSUT: NYSUT is more than 600,000 people who work in, or are retired from, New York's schools, colleges, and healthcare facilities. We are classroom teachers, college and university faculty and professional staff, school bus drivers, custodians, secretaries, cafeteria workers, teacher assistants and aides, nurses and healthcare technicians.