Solar Power on Landfills: Free Screening Studies from the US EPA and Other Resources

Dear Climate Smart Communities Leaders,

The March 10^th Climate Smart Communities webinar brought together over 175 participants to learn about the opportunities and special considerations involved when installing solar power on capped municipal landfills. Participants should be aware that the 30% federal investment tax credit for solar energy was extended to 2021. Since this credit is applicable to the private sector, it acts as an incentive for local governments to use third-party financing leases and power purchase agreements. Always consult with a qualified tax professional or accountant to determine eligibility for tax credits.

As a follow-up to the March 10^th webinar, regional representatives from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) want you to know that they are available at no cost to perform solar screening studies to local governments and other public sector entities in New York State. The screening studies evaluate the usable land area at closed landfills and brownfields or other local sites. This information is then used to estimate the potential solar energy generation and approximate cost of installing a solar system.

The screening study report also includes a summary of available incentives, resources, and guidance to support solar installations on public property. Such studies serve as an initial screen only; additional evaluations will be needed to fully characterize the feasibility and economics of solar installations on any given site. If you’re interested, or have questions for the EPA, please see the contact information below.

Fernando A.  Rosado

Senior Project Officer/Solar Team at US EPA Region 2 (212) 637-4346

Rosado.Fernando@epa.gov

Vince Pitruzzello

Consultant to EPA Region 2

(914) 606-0103

vince.pitruzzello@gmail.com

Another EPA resource available through the RE-Powering America’s Land program is the publication Best Practices for Siting Solar Photovoltaics on Municipal Solid Waste Landfills. This guide provides assistance in addressing common technical challenges of siting solar power on municipal solid waste landfills and provide other useful information for solar developers; landfill owners; and federal, state, and local government entities.

To learn about solar programs and funding opportunities available from NYSERDA’s NY-Sun initiative, contact Maureen Leddy at (518) 862-1090 x 3318 or by email at maureen.leddy@nyserda.ny.gov.

For general questions associated with solar development at New York landfills, contact Gus Carayiannis, P.E., DEC Division of Materials Management at (518) 402-8678 or by email at Gus.Carayiannis@dec.ny.gov.