What is Southern Tier Solar Works?
Southern Tier Solar Works is a not-for-profit program dedicated to developing the solar industry through education and outreach to create jobs, energy savings, and a healthier climate in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, and Tioga counties.
*Please note, if you would like to sign up for our current Community Solar project, use this link!
What solar options are available?
Community Solar
- For those who rent or are inelgible for residental solar; through CSS you can access solar energy without having to install anything on your property
- Works through either subscribing to or purchasing solar arrays located on land within your loading zone for electricity
- We are currently in search of a new community shared solar partner. If you are a renter or homeowner interested in applying for community solar, sign up for a free consultation and we will add you to our waiting list for our next community solar project!
Residential Solar
- Have solar panels installed on your property, whether it be the roof or the ground
- Benefit from NYSERDA grant & federal tax credits as a way to help finance installation costs
- Considered as an investment in your home – rather than spending money on electricity going to the utility company*, the value of your home will increase after the panels are installed
*a service fee must still be paid
Commercial Solar
- Through the Energize NY Commercial Program, commercial properties can make energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to buildings
- Unique financing called Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)
- Goal is to make energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades attractive and easy to access for business and commercial owners
Where can I sign up?
You can sign up with Southern Tier Solar Works if you own a home or business in the following NYS counties:
- Broome
- Chenango
- Delaware
- Otsego
- Tioga
If you live elsewhere, sign up and we’ll do our best to direct you to another solar program.
Sign up for Solar!
Why Go Solar Now?
- The Southern Tier receives enough sunlight for solar energy
- The solar industry is growing faster than the economy
- The world could be powered by solar with 0.07% of its surface
- Solar energy is forever, fossil fuels are not
- Solar cell technology is improving faster than ever
Residential Solar
Commercial Solar
For businesses and non-profit building owners in Broome County, this is your chance to save energy dollars while creating jobs and building our clean energy economy.
Energize NY Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing allows commercial and nonprofit entities which own residential or commercial buildings to access long-term, low interest capital for renewable energy, and/or energy efficiency improvements. This financing is then repaid on the yearly tax bill. To be eligible for this financing option, the post-improvement energy bills and the financing repayment must be less than the pre-improvement energy bills; guaranteeing savings.
Community Solar
Community Solar links your utility bill directly to a local solar farm, allowing you to go solar without installing solar on your home! You can either subscribe to a solar farm’s energy or purchase your own panels on the solar farm. There’s nothing to do but sign up! Your portion of the electricity produced on the solar farm is credited directly to your NYSEG utility bill each month. Any NYSEG customer can sign up: renters, homeowners, businesses, non-profits, low income residents, students, anyone who pays their utility bill.
PAST COMMUNITY SOLAR PROJECT
NeST was working with Citizen’s Energy to bring a community solar project to the Town of Dickinson for Low-to-Moderate Income customers. The project was completely free and allowed for 20% savings on your electric bill. Currently the project is paused indefinitely.
If you’d like to pre-enroll for this new community solar program, indicate in the “Additional Comments” box in the interest form above!
Learn even more about solar technologies, myths, policies and research by visiting our resources page.