SunCommon and Orange County Citizens Foundation celebrate opening day of solar array

The new community solar array, at the Citizens Foundation's Seligmann Homestead in Sugar Loaf will help about 60 homes go solar in the Orange and Rockland County Utility, Inc., system.
On Wednesday, June 26, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton and members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce climbed to the top of a hill overlooking Sugar Loaf Mountain to join members of the Orange County Citizens Foundation and representatives of SunCommon to celebrate the occasion.
Sky and Ground
Also present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony were artists Maxine Leu and Michael Asbill, who had been awarded a $3,000 grant to create a sculpture, "Kurt and Arlette (Sky and Ground)," for the Community Solar Array site.
SunCommon, whose stated mission is to tear down barriers to solar energy, partnered with the Orange County Citizens Foundation to build a small-scale solar array, an ensemble of solar panels, on the foundation's land, capable of powering more than 60 area homes and businesses.
Homeowners and businesses are able to buy panels situated on the Citizens Foundation grounds to serve their buildings remotely and with no up front costs while avoiding issues that stymie many people interested in solar.
Advocating public policy
The Citizens Foundation is an almost 50 year old non-profit organization whose mission is to improve quality of life for the citizens of Orange County through public policy and advocacy.
"We are proud to partner with SunCommon to bring solar energy to our community," said Orange County Citizens Foundation President Nancy Proyect. "Their support of this project and extraordinary art installation, enhances the beauty of the array. It exemplifies their commitment to creating great spaces, protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for all our citizens."
SunCommon Vice President Jeff Irish added: "Our roots are deep in the Hudson Valley and partnerships with incredible organizations like the Citizens Foundation let us shine a light on a new approach to community solar. We are building meaningful relationships and beautiful spaces that help make the environment healthier for everyone."
Find out more
For additional information or to sign up for this solar project visit: www.suncommon.com.
- Roger Gavan