GAL Manufacturing Installs One of NYC’s Largest Rooftop Solar Arrays
GAL Manufacturing, a family-owned Bronx business located next to Yankee Stadium, is now home to one of the city’s largest commercial rooftop solar arrays. Visible to both fans attending Yankee games and commuters heading north on the Major Deegan Expressway, the 237-kilowatt systems was designed and installed by MC Solar Development and SolarCity, with additional project funds provided by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Comprised of 988 solar panels, the solar installation will allow GAL to save an estimated $50,000 a year on utility bills, and will generate power sufficient to offset roughly half of the building’s electricity usage. SolarCity, a national leader in clean energy services with New York offices in Westchester, Long Island and Albany; and MC Solar Development, an Energy Management Consulting Firm, have partnered to provide, install and maintain the installation.
“Going solar not only makes financial sense, it also has a positive effect on our local Bronx community,” commented Paul Seifried, Vice President of GAL Manufacturing, an elevator manufacturing company. “We’re excited to be a pioneer in New York City, and we hope other companies will take advantage of the opportunity to go solar, save money, and use cleaner energy.”
“The funding for this project is possible through Governor Cuomo’s NY-Sun initiative, which is initiating the installation of solar PV systems across the state, and especially in New York City,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “Commercial building owners like GAL who install large scale PV systems play an integral part in the State’s efforts to meet its NY-Sun goals, expand its diverse renewable energy portfolio and help businesses reduce their energy costs.”
“We’re excited to be installing clean affordable solar right here in a classic New York location,” said Ed Steins, SolarCity’s Northeast Regional Vice President. “It’s a great time for commercial businesses across the region to look at the money they can save by going solar.”
“MC Solar Development is thrilled to have worked with SolarCity and our long-time client GAL Manufacturing to produce the largest commercial solar system in The Bronx,” remarked MC Solar Development Managing Member Jim Nadel.” New York City offers a very attractive opportunity for Commercial Solar Systems, and we are encouraged that the high visibility of this project with its proximity to Yankee Stadium will promote not only Solar Energy but all renewable energy in the City”
“I congratulate GAL Manufacturing for installing one of the largest commercial rooftop solar systems in the city, right here in the Bronx,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “This is proof that the Bronx continues to be a leader in embracing green technologies and the green economy. More than 30 percent of all solar energy, and solar panels, in the five boroughs are being installed right here in the Bronx, helping reduce the city's carbon footprint and putting our energy consumption on a more sustainable path. I am proud that our borough continues to lead the way in creating a cleaner, greener City.”
Solar energy has become more affordable in the state, and on October 4 SolarCity announced a major expansion in New York (insert link to release), opening new locations in both Westchester and Long Island. The combination of state and federal incentives, declining panel prices and new solar financing options makes it possible for New York homeowners and businesses to install solar for free and pay less for solar electricity than they pay for utility power.