SUNation Energy, a Ronkonkoma-based, residential and commercial solar energy company, reached its 100-megawatt (MW) milestone for solar energy installed in the company's 20-year history.
“Through a combination of residential and commercial solar installations, this achievement is not only a celebration for the SUNation team, but for Long Island and New York State's clean energy goals,” the company said in a statement.
On April 27the the company held a special event to celebrate the milestone at the home of the Friedman Family of Port Jefferson Station whose solar installation pushed SUNation past its goal.
“There are less than 100 regional companies throughout the entire country that have reached this milestone,” said CEO and founder Scott Maskin. “Today there are nearly 300,000 solar panels out there right now working and we're saving homeowners $20M annually. That's $20M that is reinvested in local restaurants and shopping. It stays in our local economy. This is what makes me tick.”
The family in Port Jefferson Station are getting the complete energy package from SUNation which includes solar, roofing, energy storage, a smart electrical panel, and EV charging.
The company estimates that the family will save about $3,400 in energy costs annually.
“They've future-proofed their home from electric rates, fuel volatility, and they're doing their part for a sustainable future for their family, their neighbors, and our grid,” said Maskin.
In attendance at SUNation's 100MW event were CEO of pineapple energy Kyle Udseth, CEO of LIPA Tom Falcone, Policy Director for NYSEIA Jonathan Cohen, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, Councilman and Deputy Supervisor for Town of Brookhaven Dan Panico, Councilwoman for Town of Brookhaven Jane Bonner, and Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker.
SUNation has installed over 8,000 solar arrays totaling nearly 300K solar panels for residential and commercial properties plus several donated solar arrays as part of the company's not-for-profit foundation SUNation Cares.
“We're facing a great challenge as a nation,” said Supervisor Ed Romaine.“We have to move away from fossil fuels. There's no question, SUNation is a leader. They've fought for everyone in the solar industry because it has become the premiere organization in solar and roofing.”
This milestone also helps push New York State closer to its goal of reaching six gigawatts, or six billion watts, of energy installed by 2025 as part of the state's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
“We have so many [solar permits] now because people are waking up to what the future is,” Romaine said. “This is the future.”