Your Stories Q&A: Is this community solar letter from Town of Clay legit?

Town of Clay, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) – You ask, we answer!

Viewer Question: I recently received a letter from the Town of Clay about signing up for a community solar program where I can save money on my electric bill. Is this legit?

Yes, it is an official letter from Town of Clay Supervisor Damian Ulatowski.

Ulatowski told NewsChannel 9 that since the letter went out last month to Clay residents, more than 600 people have enrolled in the community solar partnership and another 100 people are currently under review.

The Town of Clay partnership is with PowerMarket. The letter says those interested in community solar can save up to 10% on their electric bill.

"There is no cost, no solar panels installed on your property, and you can cancel anytime without fees or penalties," the letter states.

According to National Grid's website , "Community solar allows you to enjoy the benefits of solar power being generated in a remote location. Participants often subscribe for a portion of a larger solar installation, usually located in a field or on a property like a community center, school, or commercial building. The energy generated creates bill credits that may be allocated to your electric utility bills, thereby lowering your energy costs."

Ulatowski said there are currently three solar farms in the Town of Clay, with a fourth going through the permit process.

The electricity from solar farms gets pumped into what's known as the distribution grid. It's sold to those who "subscribe" to a particular community solar project.

Ulatowski said when residents sign up for community solar, the town earns clean energy points through NYSERDA. He said the points allow them to apply for grant money that can be used for future clean energy projects.

He pointed to the electric charging station at the Town Hall and the LED streetlights as an example of clean energy projects.

If Clay residents have questions about community solar, they are urged to call the Town Hall at (315) 652-3800 ext. 179. The Town does say the number of households that can participate is limited, but it doesn't give a specific number.

For more on community solar, visit New York's Solar Program (NY-SUN) .

Submit a form.

More Your Stories