Giant solar carports may land on Long Island

long-island-mapSOURCE: WPIX.Com

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. – Long Island could soon be getting series of giant solar carports which would pump out 50 megawatts of electricity per year, WPIX.Com is reporting.

According to WPIX, Suffolk County is encouraging a project that would turn parking lots into solar power lots. Under the proposal, Suffolk would build solar panel carports at seven of its largest parking areas.

Parking lots at government complexes, as well as at several Long Island Railroad stations will be utilized as part of the plan, reports WPIX.

“It’s a win-win for everybody, as not only do solar carports generate clean energy, but they provide a convenient shelter from hot sun or inclement weather for drivers,” Suffolk Executive Steve Levy told WPIX.

Through the Long Island Power Authority and enXco, a California-based international wind and solar project developer, a long term lease agreement with Suffolk County will provide up to 50 megawatts of solar power to the grid, said LIPA President and CEO Kevin S. Law.

“Solar energy is clean, renewable and safe, and our large parking areas provide ideal locations for solar panels,” said Levy.