IBEW LOCAL 236 solar site

Overview

Members of Local 236 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) received $148,000 from the New York State
Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to install a 30 kilowatt solar electric - or photovoltaic (PV) system for their training center in Latham. This was the first time a government agency provided statewide support for union training center installations. Construction of the PV system was completed by members of Local Union 236. The installation of the system provided the installers with valuable firsthand experience. Now, the PV system provides a training opportunity for union electricians and contractors by increasing their awareness and interest in the technology.

The system is managed by NPCP, LLC - the National Photovoltaic Construction Partnership. NPCP was developed to give assistance to IBEW locals and members to install PV systems by offering easier access to government loans and funding. NPCP has projects underway in California, New York, New Jersey and many other states. The installation was one of four in which NYSERDA provided $740,000 to support an overall statewide effort by local IBEW unions to install mediumsize solar energy systems on their buildings. IBEW represents approximately 750,00 members in both Canada and the United States, including 600 electrical contractors in New York State alone.

THE TEAM
• NYSERDA: funding and coordination of the photovoltaic incentive program,through the New York Energy $martSM program
www.PowerNaturally.org
• NPCP: Designed the PV systems and coordinated training www.npcpunited.com
• Local 236 IBEW and Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee: Installed the Latham
PV system. www.tricityjatc.org

THE SYSTEM
The system at the Latham site is comprised of 160 modules each producing 185 watts of power, and nine inverters to convert the
electricity to alternating current so it can be used by the building. This system was installed using a unique metal post foundation
that is drilled into the ground. The IBEW worked with the company that supplies the PV mounting system to integrate the mounting
system with the metal post foundation. This eliminated the need to pour concrete foundations, saving time and money. The total
installed system costs are approximately $233,000 and the NYSERDA incentive is $148,000.

THE SAVINGS
The estimated annual output of IBEW system is 38,400 kilowatt hours. Emissions of CO2 for this system will be reduced by
41,900 pounds annually. Emissions of CO2 for all four systems will be reduced by 210,000 pounds annually.

Hudson Valley Homegrown Energy and Resource Map
updated 09/2009 by Hudson Valley Noteworthy Sites