Solar One!

Join the Solar One team!

We are hiring a Program Manager in Curriculum Development.

Discover more and apply here:

https://ow.ly/WnBm50T6pNY

Unlock a brighter future at the Bronx & Brooklyn Energy Hub Clean Energy Career Fair!

Discover exciting job opportunities, educational paths, and training programs in the booming clean energy sector. Don’t miss our panel discussion on the future of the clean energy workforce—your gateway to a sustainable career starts here!

🗓 Date: September 19, 2024

⏰ Time: 3:00 - 6:00 PM

📍 Location: 264 Lexington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216

Join us and take the first step toward powering a cleaner, greener tomorrow!

Flyer provided by the HUB.

The Resilient Solar Initiative, powered by Solar One and funded by NOAA, is a high school internship program in partnership with the City of Newark’s Office of Sustainability. Its mission is to develop eight mobile solar chargers deployed to city-wide community hubs for emergency preparedness. These chargers provide supplemental electricity during emergencies, aiding Newark residents with medical devices and electronics.

The initiative hosts eight community engagement showcase events to raise awareness of solar power's importance. These events educate Newark students, families, and businesses on solar power's role in emergency services. Events feature live demonstrations, educational initiatives, cultural elements, community engagement, and environmental advocacy.

Don’t miss out on this Thursday, June 18th event at Newark SAS - Garden of Hope from 10:00 am-1 pm!

🌆 Decarbonizing NYC: A Guide for Industrial & Manufacturing Buildings on LL97

Ticket sales end soon!

Join us on Thursday, July 18 from 10-11 am for an insightful online webinar hosted by NYC Accelerator. Our expert panelists will cover Local Law 97, carbon emissions adjustments, electrification project credits, decarbonization plans, and more.
Learn about the FlexTech Cost-Share Program and gain tailored insights for LL97 compliance. Speakers include Katherine Willis (NYC Accelerator), Holly Savoia (NYC Department of Buildings), and Maria Cangiano (NYSERDA).

Don’t miss this chance to contribute to a sustainable NYC. Register now to secure your spot! 🌍💡

Link: https://ow.ly/vqwY50SEHEH

Tomorrow: Join Us for an Inspiring Climate Action Event! 🌍

Learn how we can support environmental and climate justice, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure a just and equitable transition to clean energy. Features opening and closing remarks by Carole Laible, CEO of Domini, and insights from Peggy Shepard of WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Sara Radelet, and Michaela Ritz of Solar One, moderated by Mary Beth Gallagher of Domini.

This event will be streamed live on Domini Impact Investments Instagram at 6:10 pm-7pm ET. Be sure to join us!

Be part of the solution! 🌱

Registration link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-heat-is-on-strategies-solutions-for-helping-achieve-climate-justice-tickets-929845050577

We are hosting a webinar on July 23 at 1 to discuss recent developments in solar policy. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in solar energy to learn about the key policy changes from the past legislative session and the major issues on the horizon.

🌍 Join Us for an Inspiring Event on Climate Action and Justice! 🌍
Extreme weather events and environmental challenges are increasingly impacting our planet. To secure a sustainable future, governments, companies, civil society, and individuals must collaborate in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a clean energy transition.

How can we support environmental and climate justice? How can we work together to protect vulnerable communities and create a resilient future? Join Domini Impact Investments for a lively discussion with Domini’s CEO, Engagement Director, and NY-based not-for-profit organizations Solar One and WE ACT for Environmental Justice.

Learn about the vital role of workers and communities in ensuring a just and equitable transition for all.

Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-heat-is-on-strategies-solutions-for-helping-achieve-climate-justice-tickets-929845050577

Excited to be part of the “Decarbonizing NYC: Spring into Solar” webinar on June 25 at 10 am!

Join us as we delve into the latest in , , and sustainable solutions for . Solar Specialists Daisy Rivera and Graham Van Korff will share insights and resources on renewable energy solutions.

Hosted by . Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your sustainability efforts.

RSVP Here:

Decarbonizing NYC: Spring into Solar Join us for a discussion on the future of solar energy in New York City.

Happy Juneteenth!

Today we celebrate freedom and recognize the significance of June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation reached the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas.

Honoring this day reminds us of the importance of equality and justice for all.

Happy Pride Month! This is a perfect time to celebrate the contributions of LGBTQ+ scientists, mathematicians, and technologists who have greatly impacted our world.

Alan Turing, the father of theoretical computer science, and Sara Elizabeth Baker, a pioneering public health physician, are just two examples. More recently, Jasmine Isa Qureshi, a trans non-binary marine biologist, and advocate, has been making waves in environmental conservation and LGBTQ+ rights. As well as, Dr. Devin Swiner, a q***r African-American analytical chemist, co-founded Black in Chem to highlight Black chemists globally and continues to support femme chemists of color through her platform, Mac Scientists.

Let's honor and learn from these remarkable individuals this Pride Month. Check out our website to read more about these inspiring q***r innovators.

Join the Solar One team!

We are seeking talented colleagues for three roles:

Development Associate to join the external affairs team
Solar Program Associate to join the Here Comes Solar team
Finance and Grants Associate to join the operations team

See the job listings here and share your credentials (and resume) with us: https://bit.ly/3VFfDQs

After three attempts to get permits for its pipeline project failed, Williams Companies Inc claims it’s walking away. But as other companies seek to expand fracked gas infrastructure in New York, activists say the fight feels far from over.

Williams Pipeline Saga Ends, But the Fight to Phase Out Gas Continues After three attempts to get permits for its pipeline project failed, Williams Companies Inc claims it's walking away. But activists say the fight feels far from over.

Calling all Brooklyn businesses & property owners! Join the Sustainability & Resiliency Resource Fair!

️Wednesday, May 22nd | 6-8PM
P.S. 372 The Children's School (512 Carroll St, Brooklyn, 11215)

️Talk to experts about:

Green building infrastructure ️
Sustainability & resiliency programs
Incentives for your business or property

Register here: https://ow.ly/CltZ50RP8ut

We're proud to be in the running for a Mentor NY Mentoring Excellence Award. Cast your vote for Solar One here! Voting ends one week from today, so act now!

Votes can be submitted here: https://www.mentornewyork.org/mentoring-excellence-award

While Solar One works on many projects involving solar for low- and middle-income New Yorkers, everyone needs energy security, regardless of the power source. Join our partners at AEA for this virtual Utility Bill Assistance workshop on May 29th at 6:30pm.

Climate resiliency in our schools is a big project.

Rain, Rain, Go Away. New York Kids Are Trying to Play. Across New York City, workers are tearing out concrete and asphalt from schoolyards and replacing them with rain-absorbing surfaces that are more climate resilient, according to reporting by Aria Young of Feet in 2 Worlds.

Solar One today announces four new Managing Directors, two Senior Directors, and the creation of a Chief External Affairs Officer position, all promoted from within the organization.

“For 20 years, Solar One has served as an antidote to climate despair by offering New Yorkers meaningful ways to take action,” said Stephen Levin, CEO of Solar One. “These promotions and leadership expansion reflect our unwavering commitment to local solutions and empowers us to further propel the clean energy transition in the New York and New Jersey metro area.”

Sara Radelet assumes the newly-created role of Chief External Affairs Officer, bringing more than 25 years of experience in fundraising, marketing and partnership development. She joined Solar One in 2021.

Karen Alsen, an environmental educator with Solar One since 2014, has been promoted to Managing Director of Education. Karen leads the Green Design Lab, a K-12 classroom program that uses hands-on activities to get students excited about science, technology, and design – all while building their knowledge about critical environmental issues.

Max Levitzke, pivotal in the Green Workforce program since 2017, now serves as Managing Director of Workforce Development, an initiative that offers extensive training in green hard skills, including industry-recognized certifications in green building operations, energy efficiency, and solar technology.

Shakira Hart was promoted to Senior Director of Community Engagement. Since joining the team in 2022, Shakira's been passionate about helping Solar One’s Green Workforce graduates thrive.

Anika Wistar-Jones, a Solar One champion for equitable solar access since 2016, has been named Managing Director of Here Comes Solar, a program dedicated to providing solar technical assistance to low-and-moderate-income communities.

Alysha Willis, was named Senior Director of Human Resources and brings more than 20 years experience working in various environments including corporate, field, retail, start-up, college, and K-12 education. She received her MBA from Mercy University and has been a certified human resources professional since 2011. Alysha joined Solar One in 2023.

Shinn Yang, who leverages more than 25 years of experience in financial management across both nonprofit and for-profit sectors, has been promoted to Managing Director of Finance. Shinn joined Solar One in 2019.

Solar One remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing sustainability and equity throughout New York City and Newark, N.J. With this leadership expansion, the organization is poised to amplify its impact in combating climate change. Its acclaimed programs, including the Green Design Lab, the Green Workforce program for adults facing employment barriers in clean energy, and the Here Comes Solar initiative, which has facilitated solar installations on nearly 1,000 low-and moderate-income rooftops in the city, showcase the organization's strength.

Additionally, the development of Stuyvesant Cove Park into the new Solar One Environmental Education Center underscores Solar One's dedication to fostering dialogues on ecology, climate, and social justice.

“We are proud to take on this work every day and inspired to see the next generation of climate leaders rise to address the central challenge of our time,” Levin said.

“During the past 20 years, Solar One has grown from a nonprofit with a focus on community environment education to today becoming a recognized leader in climate solutions and a guide for how communities around the world can fight climate change,” Levin said.

Last night marked another successful chapter in our commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions within the HDFC community. As part of our annual spring tradition, we - the Co-ops Go Solar collaboration (Solar One and UHAB) - organized a rooftop solar tour, joined by a representative of the NYC Accelerator, to showcase one of our pioneering projects uptown.

The tour centered around the 128 W. 138th Street cooperative in Harlem. Attended came out for a basic Solar 101 overview, learn more about this building’s solar story and ask questions about current incentives and credits.

W. 138th’s journey into solar energy began in May 2017 when they participated in a Solar Uptown Now (SUN) campaign information session held at the Harlem offices of WeAct.

Following careful deliberation and multiple consultations, the W. 138th cooperative's board elected to install a ballasted solar array on their roof, coupled with a net-metered system to efficiently offset common area usage. The financial viability of this decision was underscored by the project's cost-effectiveness:

Financial Highlights:

Project Cost: $60,264

Public Incentive Funding: $50,778

Net Project Cost: $9,486

Annual Savings: $5,762

Payback Period: 3 years

Lifetime Savings (estimated): $182,497

In just 18 months, their vision had become a reality, culminating in the successful installation of rooftop solar panels and positioning them as a leader in renewable energy among affordable cooperatives.

A pivotal aspect of this achievement was the collaborative effort fostered by the SUN campaign, spearheaded by UHAB, Solar One, and WeAct. Through this initiative, buildings in Northern Manhattan united to embrace solar energy, leveraging collective purchasing power to secure discounted pricing and accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices.

The imperative behind embracing solar energy extends beyond mere cost savings. As energy costs continue to escalate, producing electricity from solar power presents a sustainable solution to mitigate financial burdens while aligning with local New York and state regulations to curtail carbon emissions.

Eager to explore renewable energy options for your community’s property? Contact us at 212.505.6050 or via email at [email protected].

Big Oil Caught Saying One Thing, Doing Another on Climate Change

Leaked documents show oil giants privately doubting the Paris Agreement and net-zero goals, while pushing a public image of climate action. They're even funding research to make natural gas look good.

What a years-long probe of Big Oil reveals about its climate strategy Exxon downplayed Paris agreement climate targets, according to documents, while others privately were skeptical of achieve their “net zero” commitments.

Solar One Zoomed into EarthFest!

This past Saturday, EarthFest at the American Museum of Natural History was buzzing with eco-fun, and Solar One was right in the thick of it! We brought the BIG ENERGY with our solar car building activity, and let us tell you, these mini-EVs were scorching the turf (well, maybe not scorching, but definitely rolling).

Kids (and maybe some grownups, too) got their hands dirty assembling their very own solar-powered racers. It was a blast seeing their creativity flow as they built these little sun-mobiles. Once everyone's engineering masterpiece was complete, we took them to our heat lamps a race – powered by nothing but (simulated) sunshine.

Speaking of sunshine, a big shout out to the Solar One crew who made it all happen: Gabi Rodriguez, our Green Design Lab's Director of Education, and the fantastic team of Maya Blackmon, Nile Luna, Sara Radelet, Khaldun Omorede, Alonza Robertson, and four high school interns. We helped more than 400 students build and test solar cars!

EarthFest was jam-packed with other awesome activities, too, from insect safaris in Central Park, cicada cake, to bee-inspired art projects. See you next time!

Solar One's K-12 education program, the Green Design Lab, educates youth to combat the climate crisis. Visit solar1.org/thegreendesignlab.org and contact us at [email protected] for more information about our in-school and afterschool offerings.



https://youtu.be/BALOpqeuXZM?si=ynueUTj69Nw395Tl

GDL @ EarthFest Solar One Zoomed into EarthFest!This past Saturday, EarthFest at the American Museum of Natural History was buzzing with eco-fun, and Solar One was right in ...

Solar One Zoomed into EarthFest!

This past Saturday, EarthFest at the American Museum of Natural History was buzzing with eco-fun, and Solar One was right in the thick of it! We brought the big energy with our solar car building activity, and let us tell you, these mini- Teslas were scorching the turf (well, maybe not scorching, but definitely rolling).

Kids (and maybe some grownups too) got their hands dirty assembling their very own solar-powered racers. It was a blast seeing their creativity flow as they built these little sun-mobiles. Once everyone's engineering masterpiece was complete, we took them to our heat lamps a race – powered by nothing but (simulated) sunshine.

Speaking of sunshine, a big shoutout to the Solar One crew who made it all happen: Gabi Rodriguez, our Green Design Lab's Director of Education, and the fantastic team of Maya Blackmon, Nile Luna, Sara Radlet, Khaldun Omorede, Alonza Robertson and four high school interns. We helped more than 400 students build and test solar cars!

EarthFest was jam-packed with other awesome activities too, from insect safaris in Central Park, cicada cake, to bee-inspired art projects. See you next time!

Solar One's GDL @ EarthFest EarthFest at the American Museum of Natural History.

THIS IS HUGE!

The Biden administration is investing $7 billion in solar initiatives for low-income families, a historic move!

This funding will support nearly half of U.S. states in creating such programs for the first time and bolster existing efforts in states like New York. To mark Earth Day, the White House and EPA announced 60 winners of the Solar for All grant competition, part of the Inflation Reduction Act's $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.

With grants totaling $5.5 billion for states and territories, over $500 million for tribes, and $1 billion for multi-state projects, this initiative covers all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and D.C.

All funding is dedicated to supporting low-income and disadvantaged households.

Solar is about to get a lot more affordable for low-income households The EPA’s historic, $7B Solar for All program will help every state fund solar projects for lower-income residents. In many states, that will be a first.

Solar One is happy to share the news that Stephen Levin, our Chief Executive Officer, has been named a 2024 City & State Trailblazer in Clean Energy. This prestigious recognition highlights Steve's unwavering commitment to democratizing energy access.

Throughout his career, Steve has consistently championed progressive energy policies and equitable access to clean energy. His dedication to sustainability began during his time on the New York City Council, where he championed groundbreaking initiatives. Now, at Solar One, Steve's vision translates into meaningful programs.

Under Steve's leadership, Solar One empowers communities through green workforce job training, K-12 climate education, and technical assistance for solar installations aimed at low-to-moderate income households.

The organization also manages Stuyvesant Cove Park, the city's only native plant species park, where a new $13 million Environmental Education Center, a two-story facility to teach urban environmental stewardship, is now under construction.

This recognition by City & State also coincides with Solar One's 20th anniversary. During the past two decades, the organization's work has demonstrably advanced sustainability efforts in the region. Solar One's programs have impacted more than 40,000 students and teachers in New York City and Newark, N.J., provided industry-certified training to more than 5,000 green workforce clients, and facilitated the installation of 31 MW of solar power across nearly 900 rooftops in the metro area.

Steve's inclusion among City & State's Trailblazers - alongside other leaders in engineering, finance, labor, and real estate, - underscores his invaluable experience and expertise; both needed as New York navigates its energy transition and implements nation-leading climate policies.

Congratulations Steve!

Read the entire story here: https://ow.ly/MER050Rn2pR

Beneath the bustling streets of our city lies a hidden world – a complex network of pipes, foundations, tunnels, and electrical cables. These are the veins of New York City, keeping everything running smoothly. But there's a problem. This infrastructure was built for a time with stable groundwater. Now, rising sea levels are pushing saltier, corrosive seawater deeper underground. This "salty surprise" is putting our city's vital systems at risk, something they weren't designed to handle. https://ow.ly/506l50RlHS7

Rising sea levels threaten global cities' underground infrastructure Rising sea levels are transforming groundwater, making it shallower, saltier, and corrosive, a critical vulnerability within coastal cities.

As New York state works towards a clean energy future, City & State magazine has named Solar One CEO Stephen Levin as one of their inaugural Trailblazers in Clean Energy.

Levin is being recognized for his leadership in the clean energy sector, alongside others working in engineering, finance, labor, and real estate. This recognition comes as New York implements ambitious clean energy goals, including the nation's first utility-scale offshore wind project and groundbreaking legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings.

Congratulations Steve!

Trailblazers in Clean Energy The New Yorkers leading the fight against climate change.

A historic day for solar equity and access.

President Joe Biden is marking Earth Day by announcing $7 billion in federal grants for residential solar projects serving 900,000-plus households in low- and middle-income communities. He also plans to expand his New Deal-style American Climate Corps green jobs training program.

The grants are being awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency, which unveiled the 60 recipients on Monday. The projects are expected to eventually reduce emissions by the equivalent of 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and save households $350 million annually, according to senior administration officials.

https://ow.ly/Lg6i50RlAq2

Biden is marking Earth Day by announcing $7 billion in federal solar power grants Biden’s latest environmental announcements come as he is working to energize young voters for his reelection campaign.

Mayor Eric Adams is spearheading a groundbreaking partnership to tackle food-related carbon emissions head on.

Introducing the Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge! 🌍💚

Did you know? 20 oercent of NYC's emissions stem from food production and consumption. But together, we're aiming to slash that number by 25% by 2030.

How? By committing to more plant-based foods! 🥦🍅 These eco-friendly options have a much smaller carbon footprint compared to animal-based foods. 🌱✨

The impact? HUGE! We're talking about potentially reducing emissions by 40,000 tons of CO2 yearly. That's like taking 100 million car miles off NYC streets or planting 45,000 acres of forest! 🚗🌳

Mayor Adams says it best: "To tackle the climate crisis, we need to take control of our plates." 🍽️💪



https://ow.ly/XytP50Rl6n2

Cross-sector Partnership Aims To Reduce Food-related Carbon Emissions Leading New York City-based institutions commit to administration’s Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge

Happy Earth Day from Solar One!

For 20 years, Solar One has celebrated Earth Day every single day. We believe in harnessing the sun's power, but also the power within each of us to make a difference.

This Earth Day, let's rekindle the spark of environmental passion! Climate challenges may seem daunting, but local solutions can be our lighters. Here's how we can ignite change, together:

Policy Powerhouse: Let's champion sustainable policies in our communities. Your voice matters!

Education: Spread the love for nature and the power of renewable energy. Knowledge is power!

Training: Upskill yourself and others on green living and working practices. Every action adds up!

Cultivating: Foster a love for the environment. Get outside, plant a tree, inspire others!

This Earth Day, let's rededicate ourselves to local solutions that create global impact.

Together, let's make Earth Day EVERY Day!

As discussions, arguments, and crises around sustainable energy sources grow, a new documentary, “How to Power a City,” is taking a deep look at how cities and individuals across the U.S. are taking matters into their own hands, overcoming obstacles, and creating change for the present – and the future.

In partnership with the Queens World Film Festival, the film’s U.S. theatrical premiere is at the Museum of the Moving Image on April 27 at 3 pm. The film will be broadcast on PBS stations nationwide starting Fall 2024, and also available for educational and community screenings.

[GET TICKETS HERE: https://ow.ly/V6Jl50RkMtx USE PROMO CODE - QueensWorldSolarOne - FOR DISCOUNT]

Less doomsday and more practical inspiration, the film was conceived when filmmaker Melanie La Rosa walked by a table on a Brooklyn sidewalk and was asked if she wanted to switch to wind power. That day, something clicked for her. La Rosa wanted to know more about how wind power, solar panels, and other clean energy works. This began her journey to learn as much as she could, growing to include solar, many other cities, other types of clean energy, and ultimately became this feature documentary.

What started out as a basic look at how clean energy technology works became a deeper dive into our nation’s energy systems and the people leading all aspects of the clean energy revolution. The result: “How to Power a City,” a solutions-based climate documentary detailing the development of the clean energy revolution across the United States.

In six locations, a diverse cast of characters addresses a variety of obstacles in unique ways, motivated by community, progress, innovation, and justice. These stories from the front lines of the clean energy revolution range from small emergency-sized solar power systems, to utilities and cities embracing renewable energy, innovative policies using renewables to transform existing systems, and environmental justice communities fighting to keep the lights on.

Set in varied locations from the urban sprawls of New York City, Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and Detroit/Highland Park, to towns in mountainous Vermont and communities throughout Puerto Rico.