2006

FOR RELEASE:        Immediate, January 27, 2006
CONTACT:               Colleen Ryan, NYSERDA
                               (518) 862-1090 ext. 3359; cqr@nyserda.org

NYSERDA Projects Contribute to the Development of the Growing Solar Market
IBEW Headquarters Received Funding to Help Install Solar Energy System

Harriman, NY - The New York State Local 363 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) headquarters received $296,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to install a 60 kilowatt solar power system for their union training center in Harriman.  The installation was one of four across the State where NYSERDA provided $740,000 to support an overall statewide effort by local IBEW unions to install medium-size solar energy systems on their buildings.

"Helping IBEW electricians and contractors across the State gain firsthand experience in the installation of solar power is a great way to help the solar industry grow and will lead to more solar installations across the State," said NYSERDA President Peter R. Smith.  "This partnership, the first of its kind in the nation, is another step forward in helping meet the Governor's goals for increasing supplies of renewable energy sources."

The four solar systems, with a combined capacity of 150 kilowatts, or enough power for 30 homes, consist of photovoltaic modules manufactured by Sharp Electronics at a facility in Tennessee represented by the IBEW. The panels convert sunlight to direct current (DC) power which is then changed by a device called an inverter to alternating current (AC) power and fed into the building's power supply. The Harriman system is comprised of 323 modules and 2 inverters to convert the electricity to alternating current so it can be used by the building. The total installed system costs are approximately $500,000.

These projects funded by NYSERDA are a first in terms of a government agency providing statewide support for union hall installations. John Maraia, IBEW 363 business manager said, "The IBEW is taking a leadership role in the expansion of solar power. The system has reduced our expenses, cut emissions, and most importantly, installing the system provided valuable training for our members."

The four union buildings that received solar energy systems are:

67 Commerce Drive S. in Harriman at IBEW 363

25001 Water Street in Watertown at Local 910

8803 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Niagara Falls at IBEW 237

428 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham,NY at IBEW 236, the Tri-City Joint Training Center

The projects are managed by NPCP, LLC - the National Photovoltaic Construction Partnership, a national effort sponsored by the IBEW to help unions, contractors, and building owners install solar power and support the growth of the solar power industry. NPCP has projects underway in California, New York, New Jersey and many other states.  The installations provide a training opportunity for union electricians and contractors by increasing their awareness and interest in the technology and market for installing solar systems.

"The more skilled electricians and contractors with experience in solar, the faster the industry will grow," said Lee Smith, managing director of NPCP. "That's why this project makes so much sense."

"Sharp is committed to making solar a mainstream energy alternative, and we are gratified to see IBEW demonstrate what can be done with today's advanced solar power technology and the promise that solar energy holds for the future," said Chris O'Brien, Sharp Solar VP for Strategy & Government Relations. "Fueled by increasing environmental and clean energy concerns, the U.S. market for solar energy is expected to climb to over 120MW by 2005. That will not only be good for the environment - it will also create jobs."

For more information on solar power in New York State, contact NYSERDA at www.powernaturally.org or call toll-free 1-866-NYSERDA.

For more information on the IBEW and NPCP efforts for solar power, visit the NPCP website at photos.npcpunited.com or contact Lee Smith at NPCP (212) 581-4030.

For more information on Sharp Electronics Corporation and its solar product line, please visit www.sharpusa.com or call Joy Lee at 212-780-1900 ext. 517

####