A Queens landlord is installing solar energy technology on every building it owns in the borough, which will produce 2.875 million kilowatt hours of electricity, serving the needs of all the properties’ common area electrical systems.
The project from Zara Realty, expected to be completed next year, will convert energy use in the common areas of 45 buildings to clean solar energy using more than 6,500 rooftop solar panels.
The solar installation, which cost $6.5 million, is being carried out by Long Island-based Premier Solar Solutions, along with Sol Alliance energy consultants of New York City. The project supports 50 jobs.
The project aligns with the state’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV), which aims to reduce greenhouse gases by 40% and generate 70% of the state’s electricity from renewable resources by 2030, in addition to the city’s OneNYC plan, which aims to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2050. According to OneNYC, nearly 75% of greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere in New York City comes from buildings.
Every square foot of roof space on all 45 buildings will be maximized for the most efficient solar design, from standard panels affixed to racking systems to panels designed to lift and tilt above the roofline to ensure every available surface is used.
