Environmental Leader

C.W. Brown Inc. became the first business in New York state to take advantage of a recent bill signed by Gov. David A. Paterson, which allows companies to sell their renewable energy back to their utility company.

The bill comes as part of the state’s goal to generate 25 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2015.

The company is estimated to save between $2,500 to $3,000 a year by using 68 solar panels on the roof top to generate electricity, with the excess power being sold back to Consolidated Edison

Mercury Solar Systems installed the 13.6-kilowatt system at a cost of $122,400, but C.W. Brown’s total costs will only be $10,400; after it receives a $55,000 grant from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and $57,000 in federal tax credits.

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