Community Solar is Helping Local Pollinators
The new Community Solar Array at the Orange County Citizens Foundation will help approximately 60 homes go solar. However, the Citizens Foundation solar array does more than just generate clean energy. Come springtime, the array will also host wildflower plantings that support our ever-important pollinator friends.
What are pollinators and why do we need them?
Bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds are just a few types of the many pollinators you might find in your backyard. At our Citizens Foundation CSA groundbreaking event, we spoke with a local ecologist to get the scoop on why these small creatures play such a big role in our local ecosystem.
“Pollinators are declining across the world right now for various reasons: Habitat loss (which also means losing the plants pollinators need to survive), chemicals, and pollution. SunCommon’s Community Solar Array, with native plants around the solar panels, is going to help the pollinator population in the area. This is really important for local farmers who are trying to grow crops that require pollination. Whether it’s the honey bee or another native bee that pollinates the crops, including foods like cucumbers and tomatoes, these wildflowers will help support those native bee populations.”
-Linda Rohleder, Local Ecologist
You Can Go Solar and Support Pollinators By Joining The Citizen’s Foundation Array.
Want to learn more about this amazing project?
Discover how Community Solar works, how to become a member of the Citizens Foundation project, and more!
Giving the Gift of BCorp.
As the Holiday season draws closer, many of us will be on the hunt for the perfect gift for that special someone. At the same time, it’s likely we are all going to be bombarded with emails about flash sales and last-minute deals. As good as it might feel to find a gift at an amazing discount, take it from us: it feels even better to find a gift from a company with amazing values.
There are lots of choices out there for great gifts. At SunCommon, we wanted to highlight some gifts from companies that hold values similar to our own. So, we turned to our staff and community to create a list of their favorite gifts from years past, and how those gifts meant even more because they came from a values-led business or a company that’s looking out for people and planet—not just profit.
B Corps have found a way to profit by having a purpose. The below gifts are all from companies that care about transparency, the environment, and increasing their social impact.
Staff Favorites:
Eli Windover
“As a baking hobbyist, I go through a lot of flour around the holidays. I always buy King Arthur brand if I can, because I know the results will be good. I recently started using their white whole wheat flour, which is perfect for a lot of everyday baking, like pancakes, bread, or muffins. They also make *the best* boxed brownie mix! And, if you need a gift for a baker or a baked-good enthusiast in your life, you can find all kinds of baking gear and speciality ingredients on their website. Plus they offer classes for all skill levels at their Norwich, Vermont headquarters. But I love King Arthur most of all because it’s a local Vermont company with values I love. Knowing it’s a B-Corp—and employee owned!—means I don’t have to worry about whether I’m making a good decision with my money.”
Nicole Bourassa
“I stumbled across Bombas Socks via social media. I love socks, good socks, so I clicked! I am almost alway first interested in the company itself–who are they? How did they get started? What’s makes them different? Better? With Bombas I was not disappointed in their story and reason for being; I was most pleased with their mantra of “Bee Better,” and that with every pair of socks purchased, they donate one pair to homeless shelters. To date 10 million+ socks have been donated! Wow! AND, their sock construction is unique, and when you put them on your feet, you can feel the difference. With their 100% happiness guarantee, there is nothing to lose. Oh, and they are also a certified B Corp, using their business as a force for good. All this combined, how could you not love Bombas Socks?”
Madeline Brydges
“I can’t say enough good things about my Allbirds. Not only do they hold up through miles upon miles of city walking, but they wash nicely and are made of sustainable wool. It’s great knowing that a quality sneaker can be made responsibly!”
Jake Elliott
“You can’t go wrong with a brand like Patagonia! They’re one of my favorite BCorps in terms of their commitment to sustainability and using their business for good. In our Northeastern climate, the gift of staying warm never fails. It especially feels good sporting SunCommon gear that is made by a like minded business with values that I care about.”
Mack (SunCommon Dog)
“My coat is perfect for playing in the snow… My skin, however, isn’t quite as tough! During the cold winter season, SheaMoisture’s Coconut Oil keeps my paws from cracking and my skin from itching! BCorps sure do make my tail wag!“
Community Favorites:
Recommended By:
Deborah Miuccio
Gardener’s Supply Company has long been a socially responsible business, which they express by supporting employee volunteerism, sourcing sustainable products and donating 8 percent of profits back to the community. Gardener’s Supply became 100 percent employee-owned in 2009.
Recommended By:
Sean Pelkey
Miir is a company committed to giving, with 3% of revenue going to partner organizations with an aim to provide people with access to a better future. MiiR partners with some of the most respected nonprofits in the world to create sustainable giving projects in the clean water, health and food sectors that address both domestic and international issues. To date, they have given over $600,000 and empowered the lives of 100,000+ people worldwide.
Badger is a small, family-owned, family-run, and family-friendly company. They only use ingredients that fit their rigorous natural standards for healthy agriculture, minimal processing, sustainable supply chain, and health giving properties. Badger works hard to maintain a healthy community-minded business with ethical and charitable social principles. Badger became a B Corporation in 2011.
So this year, be sure to give a gift that does more than make someone happy. Give a gift that makes the world a better place.
Is SunCommon a BCorp?
The short answer is absolutely! It’s something we are incredibly proud of. If you want to learn more about how we are using our business as a force for good, and what it means to be a BCorp, you can learn more on our How We Roll page or click on the link below.
Winter’s on its way, and we’ve got sustainable solutions to keep your home and body warm. Heating your home requires a lot of energy, and with rising costs for oil and propane, now’s a great time to make a sustainable choice by switching to renewable resources. Our individual actions add up, so we’ve got all sorts of ideas to help you warm up in a way that is good for your health, your environment, and your wallet, too.
1. Solar + heat pump
Get a heat pump, power it with solar, and you’ve got the perfect combo for clean, affordable fuel. Heat pumps are super efficient, using about as little energy as you would running a window fan. They operate with an inside unit attached high on a wall, and an outside unit on the ground or mounted low. No more hazardous oil and propane tanks sitting on your property. Solar-powered heat pumps allow you to produce and own your own power. That translates to a low, fixed monthly payment for solar. (And when it’s not home-heating season, you’ve still got a sustainable system since heat pumps also offer home cooling, dehumidification, and air filtration.)
2. Weatherizing your home
A home that keeps your heat inside is an energy efficient home. That’s why weatherizing is so important. Houses tend to have lots of places where air escapes. Weatherizing finds them and fixes them. This season, SunCommon is partnering with Heat Squad, Button Up Vermont, and Efficiency Vermont. Through workshops, programs, and home visits, you can get the help you need to be sure that your house is buttoned up this winter. Find a workshop near you here or reach out and we’ll help you get connected with the right program.
3. Smart thermostats
“Alexa, set the temperature to 60 degrees.” Controlling smart thermostats is easy and efficient thanks to technology. Smart thermostats connect to the internet, to smartphone apps, and to voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Google Home. You don’t have to be home to change the temperature. The energy savings comes from having your home cooler longer — mostly when you’re away, but also when you’re sleeping. You set a schedule and a temperature range, and the especially smart part is that your habits get studied and you receive suggestions for more energy efficiency. Home heating is a really big source of energy consumption. Switch to a smart thermostat and save (energy and money).
4. Solar-charged heated clothing
Just like solar can power a heat pump for your home, it can also power your heated clothing to keep your body warm and toasty during your winter adventures. Let’s use PolarSeal as an example. They make a bunch of heated garments like hoodies, active zip-tops, and parkas. They have pockets with a USB attachment. You charge a power bank in your solar-powered home and then connect it to the USB in your pocket. Sound too toasty? Don’t worry the power banks are low voltage. Only 5 V. You stay warm for several hours or most of the day, depending on the power bank you choose.
5. Sustainably-made blanket, throw, sweater
We know you can only be in heated clothing as long as your charge lasts. For the rest of the time, you can stay warm outside with sustainably-made sweaters, hats, mitten, and socks. Indoors, nothing beats a blanket that someone has knit for you with eco-friendly yarn. For your sustainable buying or wish list, look to companies like Patagonia, Turtle Fur and Smartwool. Be warm and take comfort knowing that what’s close to your skin is safe for you and the environment.
6. Own a warm pet you can snuggle with — dog, cat, bunny
At the end of the day, or any time of day, really, snuggling with our favorite pets is one of the best ways to warm up. (If you’re not a pet lover, that’s okay, you’ve got lots of options above.) At SunCommon, it’s no secret that we love dogs. They make our office feel especially warm and cozy in the winter. If you come in to see us this season, you may see one of these dogs. They’re friendly. Feel free to warm up your hands with a little patting.
Staying warm sustainably can be a simple lifestyle choice, and it can be fun. If heating your home doesn’t feel that way, contact us about solar and a heat pump. We’re here to help.
What’s up with the new art installation at the Orange County community solar array?
When SunCommon installs solar arrays, we are doing more than just installing solar — we are installing community solar arrays. Community is important to us, and we strive to make our solar arrays fit in with the communities where they are hosted. The Orange County Citizens Foundation array resides in Sugar Loaf, an artistic village. With that in mind, we created a $3000 grant for an artist to install a sculpture at the site. The search for the perfect sculpture has been in the works for several months, and after reviewing many submissions, SunCommon is pleased to announce the winners:
Maxine Leu and Michael Asbill!
This spring, Maxine and Michael will be installing a brand new sculpture titled “Kurt and Arlette (Sun and Ground)” along the walking path that loops around the array. The sculpture has two elements: the first tornado-like structure embodies the environmental sensibility of the late Kurt Seligmann, a member of the Orange County Farm Bureau; the second element represents his wife, Arlette Seligmann, who loved to garden and embraced the local landscape.
The sculpture doubles as a shelter and a food source for local wildlife. Michael explains that “the whole installation will be planted with blackberries and grapes.” On top of that, the “Kurt” element is essentially a giant bird feeder. Michael says: “it will have holes cut into the central core pipe that will be filled with sunflower seeds, and then the birds can flock on the sculpture and take seeds.”
The Orange County Citizens Foundation’s mission of improving the lives of Orange County’s citizens fits right in with SunCommon’s mission. OCCF strives to create public spaces that capitalize on local community assets, inspiring citizens to adopt a healthy and happy lifestyle. Together, SunCommon, OCCF and our local artists are creating a beautiful public space where community members can gather and enjoy the natural landscape and fine art alongside the production of clean energy.
Truly a community solar array.
Here’s How Community Solar Works
Members of a CSA use solar credits produced by that array to reduce or eliminate their utility bill. The only requirement to become a member of a Community Solar Array is that you must live within the same utility load zone as the array. Since most utility load zones span counties, towns, and zip codes, our Solar Advisors can help determine which array you would belong to.
“We were looking for some way to incorporate solar, and this works! Our house could not have solar panels on it so this is a good opportunity for us. As soon as we heard about the Citizens Foundation [community solar] project, we got in contact and now we’re members. Now we can do our part, as small as it is!”
-Chuck & Viviana, The first Citizens Foundation CSA Members
Want to learn more about Community Solar or become a member?
For information about this project you can visit our Orange County Citizens Foundation CSA page by clicking on the button below. There, you will find helpful information on how to become a CSA member, how CSAs actually work, and more. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us directly.
How Solar is Furthering the Foundation’s Mission?
For some folks, there may be reasons why they can’t go solar at their property. This could be because of their roof, shading, or other factors. The Citizens Foundation wanted to help more people go solar, especially those who wanted to use clean energy but couldn’t install solar at their house. They’re hosting SunCommon’s latest community solar array where people can buy panels in the communal array instead of installing them at home. The project will make solar energy available to much more of the community, which means more Orange County residents can buy in to a cleaner, cheaper source of energy.
Learn More. Do More. Live Better.
For almost 50 years, the Orange County Citizens Foundation has been improving the quality of life for local residents and the surrounding community. The Foundation advocates for its citizens by powering vital organizations, preserving the county’s treasured open spaces, and creating public spaces that promote health, happiness, and an overall sense of well-being.
“Well, we were looking for some way to incorporate solar, and this works. Our house could not have solar panels on it and it’s just a good opportunity for us. As soon as we heard about the Citizens Foundation project, we got in contact and now we’re members. Now we can do our part, as small as it is!”
-Chuck & Viviana, The first Citizens Foundation CSA Members
Want to learn more about Community Solar or become a member?
For information about this project you can visit our Orange County Citizens Foundation CSA page by clicking on the button below. There, you will find helpful information on how to become a CSA member, how CSAs actually work, and more. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us directly.
NYSERDA and SunCommon (formerly Hudson Solar) have completed one of the first community solar projects in Columbia County. As a result, the installation will help New York meet governor Cuomo’s goal requiring 50% of the state’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030.
Alicia Barton, president and CEO, NYSERDA, said, “New Yorkers all across the state are embracing our state’s transition to a clean energy future, and demanding greater access to clean energy solutions like solar energy. Community solar projects like this one in Columbia County are now making that option available to greater numbers of New York residents every day as part of Governor Cuomo’s nation-leading strategy to expand renewable energy access statewide.”
A ribbon cutting at the 214 kilowatt (kW) solar installation was held with representatives from NYSERDA and SunCommon attending. This community solar project is located on one acre and was designed and constructed by SunCommon.
The community solar project accommodates about 40 customers. Most importantly, the solar system provides environmental benefits by removing about 71 metric tons of CO2 from the atmosphere. This is equivalent to taking about 15 cars off the road each year!
Community solar projects enable multiple residents and small business owners to receive a portion of the energy produced by an off-site solar array. Participants receive credit on their individual monthly electric bills for the power the array produces. Members of a community solar array own solar panels and utilize the energy they produce without installing anything on their own site.
“For homeowners without a good site for solar, there were no real options to save money. We’re delighted to be offering a new way to create clean energy that’s accessible to many more people,” said SunCommon VP and General Manager, Jeff Irish.
The project was supported through NY-Sun, governor Cuomo’s $1 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar and move the state closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. NY-Sun is one of the pillars of the State’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy.
Since 2011, solar in the state has increased 800% and leveraged $1.5 billion in private investments. Due to this, there are over 12,000 people engaged in solar jobs across New York.
About the Installation:
- System size 214kW
- Number of panels 630
- Total production 257,040 kilowatt-hours annually
Mary O’Keffe, a Columbia County CSA Member, signing her panels for her & her daughters. Their panels will power their family home for generations to come.
“When we were approached about a community solar project on our property, it was easy to say yes! Not only are we doing our part to help preserve our environment, we are helping our neighbors realize the benefits of solar power, where many would not have been able to without projects such as this.” –Dennis Loveland, Columbia County CSA Host & Member
Join the Columbia County CSA Waitlist:
MOTO Cafe: A Solar-Powered Motorcycle Cafe in the heart of Hudson.
In the bustling city of Hudson, Antony Katz is operating a business unlike any other. If you’re looking to gear up for motorcycle season while sipping a delicious latte, Moto Coffee Machine can help! Antony renovated this space with clean energy in mind, and came to SunCommon for a solar solution that would suit the business’s needs.
About the Installation
- Number of panels 105
- System size 21,525 W
- Total production 22,795 kilowatt-hours annually
Interested in solar for your small business?
SunCommon can help you go solar!
For more information about MOTO Coffee Machine:
What other small businesses have gone solar with SunCommon?
Footprint Farm
Maple farmer hosts a Community Solar Array
Magnan Brothers Dairy Farm
Lowland Farm: Sustainable Solar Meets Responsibly Raised Animals
The beautiful Lowland Farm is a mixture of rolling upland pastures and woods, and bottom land (“lowland”) along Pochuck Creek, part of the Walkill River system, which flows north into the Hudson River. The property is bordered by a large area of undeveloped land that stretches south to the Appalachian Trail and Wawayanda Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife.
A strong commitment to sustainability is evident in their approach:
- Rotational grazing keeps animals healthy, minimizes the need for tillage, and lowers the risk of erosion for the Pochuck Creek
- Fencing cows, sheep, and pigs back from streams and wetlands helps protect these important resources
- And, our favorite, installing solar panels helps protect Mother Earth!
Lowland Farm’s solar installation will reduce the environmental impact of the property by 465 tons of Carbon Dioxide over the next 25 years. That’s the equivalent of:
- Taking 100 cars off the road for one year OR
- Switching out 15,562 incandescent lightbulbs for LED lightbulbs OR
- Powering 70 individual homes for one full year!
About the Installation
- Number of panels 59
- System size 19.29 kW
- Total production 24,425 kilowatt-hours annually
About Lowland Farm
Lowland Farm raises their animals responsibly, meaning they graze the land in a sustainable fashion. The cows, sheep, and pigs are not crowded into feedlots, and they do not need, nor receive, antibiotics. They grow naturally, free of disturbances and growth-promoting hormones.
Interested in solar for your farm or small business?
SunCommon can help you go solar!
For more information about Lowland Farm:
http://lowlandfarm.com/
What other local farms have gone solar with SunCommon?
Footprint Farm
Maple farmer hosts a Community Solar Array
Magnan Brothers Dairy Farm
Reducing Our Carbon Pawprint at Malta Animal Hospital!
For Malta Animal Hospital’s 10 year anniversary open house, they were happy to show off their brand new solar panels, installed by SunCommon (formerly Hudson Solar). Jake Zaidel, Owner and Veterinarian at Malta Animal Hospital, is thrilled to be “reducing their carbon pawprint” by going green. This commercial solar installation will reduce the environmental impact of the building by 770 tons of Carbon Dioxide over the next 25 years… That’s about the same as taking 165 cars off the road for one year, or recycling 268 tons of waste instead of putting it into a landfill!
About the Installation
- Number of panels 92
- System size 30.82 kW
- Total production 41,986 kilowatt-hours annually
Want to reduce your pet’s carbon pawprint?
- Look for kitty litter made from recycled materials instead of clay-based litter
- A wide variety of eco-friendly pet toys and products are now available
- Corn starch doggie waste bags are a biodegradable alternative to plastic bags
- Recycle pet food cans and bags, as well as plastic packaging from pet toys
For more information about Commercial Solar:
SunCommon can help your business go solar
For more information about Malta Animal Hospital:
http://www.maltavet.com/
For more information on reducing your pet’s carbon pawprint:
Pets and the Environment
Tackling the Carbon Pawprint
Zero Net Energy Neighborhood in New Paltz, New York
The Preserve at Mountain Vista is only minutes to the village of New Paltz and was built by Greenhill Contracting. These nine Zero Net Energy Homes are designed to save money and the environment.
All of the homes have been designed and built to the highest energy efficiency and green building standards. Most notably, these standards include: NYS Energy Star Certified Homes, EPA Indoor airPLUS, US DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes, and the USGBC LEED for Homes Silver Level certification. The LEED program consists of a set of green building strategies to increase energy efficiency and air quality while minimizing the impact of new home construction.
Thirty acres surrounding The Preserve have been designated as a conservation easement and nature preserve. And, most importantly, each home will be capable of producing more energy each year than it consumes. Because of this, homeowners will have no heat or electric bills! These homes raise the standard for comfort and energy efficiency.
About the Installation
- Total solar array size 66.78 kW
- Total number of solar panels 252
- This community produces 81,738 kilowatt-hours annually
“Because we build in this unique way, we prove that self-accountable living and smaller carbon footprints can be achieved in a cost effective way.” –Anthony Aebi, President of Greenhill Contracting
About Greenhill Contracting
Greenhill Contracting was among the winners for Innovation in Custom Homes announced by the U.S. Department of Energy. “Housing Innovation Award winners represent the top 1% of builders across the country who successfully demonstrate they can meet the federal government’s most rigorous specifications for high-performance homes,” said Sam Rashkin, chief architect at DOE’s Building Technologies Office. Greenhill Contracting currently boasts three Zero Net Energy neighborhoods in the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York State, with more developments in the works!