Description

• Onsite clean power generation is the production of clean energy (solar, wind, hydro, among others) at the site where it is to be consumed. It is a form of decentralized energy generation that often substitutes or complements the energy received through the utility grid. The ideal siting for solar installations it’s in areas with difficult distribution e.g., rural, or areas with high-dependency on fossil fuel-based power generation e.g., New York City. In addition, solar PV system hosts require sunlight exposure; reason why NYCHA’s footprint size makes it an ideal for solar generation within NYC.   
• The elements for Onsite clean power generation are:  
  • Solar array, which is a group of interconnected solar panels, each panel has a group of cells 
  • Inverter, which transforms DC electricity into AC (for either building use or to the grid) 
  • Meter, indicates power consumption and that is received/transferred to the grid 
  • Battery for storing the power generated by the PV system 
• Onsite Clean Power Generation can either: 
  1. Serve directly the grid, for which it does not need a battery 
  2. Serve the site where it is installed, for which it would need a battery 
  3. Serve both, the site and the grid, and would need a battery 
• Of the three options listed above, NYCHA currently has a program (ACCESSolar) for number 1. The other two uses of solar PV systems require a battery which is known as Battery Energy Storage Systems, or BESS. These are rechargeable batteries that store energy from different sources –ideally from clean sources like solar- and discharge it when needed. BESS consists of one or more batteries used to balance the electric grid, provide backup power, and improve grid stability. BESS can serve multiple purposes:  
  • Resiliency or Emergency Generation: means a secondary source of electrical power whenever the primary energy supply is disrupted or discontinued during power outages or natural disasters that are beyond the control of the owner or operator of a facility. 
  • Grid support: If BESS is connected to the grid, the batteries can store energy during low-demand hours in order to serve the grid at peak hours. As the energy stored comes from the grid, this can come from different sources, and its role is just storing.  

Baseline

• Upgrade to standard solar PV [COMPMOD]
  • Install solar PV only on buildings that will maximize investment.
  • Assume battery storage or community microgrid where possible.
  • Panels are installed on NYCHA’s roof, but power is returned to the grid and NYCHA receives the proceeds of that power.
  • Unless the site has special maintenance provisions through the Trust, installation of any array for community solar must be closely coordinated with NYCHA’s Sustainability Programs team. 

Stretch

• Provide back-up power for all community facilities. [COMPMOD]

RAD Conversions

• RAD Conversions should submit a report evaluating options to provide on-site solar and back-up power for community facilities and residential buildings. The solar report should reference the path to electrification plan and consider solar as a means of facilitating electrification. Solar infrastructure can be proposed as part of the RAD Conversion Project Scope of Work or by procuring a third-party installation. The report should include financials (up-front costs, rebates or incentives, savings, payback) and outline the rebate and incentive application strategy. Sightline studies should be conducted, as applicable. If on-site solar use is determined to not be feasible, the RAD Conversion must allow for leasing its roof space for community solar. 
• RAD Conversion should include the feasibility of demand response implementation for the backup power or other readiness measures. Learn more here: CPower Brochure.pdf 

Strategies

Optimize Performance, Operation & Maintenance of Buildings, Systems & Assets

Prioritize Sustainable Materials, Technologies & Practices

Innovate Adaptive & Resilient Solutions

CompModRADCommunity CentersFlood Resilience

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 at 7:28 am