The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is looking for companies to develop solar panels on several of its properties as an additional revenue stream. Requests for proposals published in April by the MTA seek companies interested in paying to lease space on seven properties; the companies could then sell the solar panel power back to the municipal grid.
The MTA says it has identified more than 100 bus depots, train yards and commuter lots suitable for solar panels – about 10 million square feet total. Those locations include:
- Ulmer Park Bus Depot, NYCT Department of Buses
- Queens Village Bus Depot, NYCT Department of Buses
- Coney Island Maintenance Facility, NYCT Department of Subways
- Jamaica Maintenance Facility, NYCT Department of Subways
- Hillside Support Facility, Long Island Railroad
- Cortlandt Station Parking Lot, Metro-North Railroad
- Wassaic Station Operations Lot, Metro-North Railroad
Leasing the space could provide the cash-strapped authority a revenue stream that requires little work or upkeep. Janno Lieber, the MTA’s chief development officer, described the solar plan as a common-sense program to “help the environment while generating a significant amount of new revenue for the MTA.” The initial proposal could generate up to 6.5 megawatts of solar energy, according to the MTA. The authority estimates its overall plan will eventually generate enough solar electricity to power 18,000 homes.
Source: Crain’s New York Business
