Description

• ACCESSolar (Accelerating Community Empowered Shared Solar) is a NYCHA-run program within the Asset & Capital Management Division, Sustainability Department, created in 2017. The Program has the goal of bringing to NYCHA and its residents the benefits from clean energy generation at zero cost by facilitating NYCHA-operated rooftops as site hosts of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems¹ Environmental Justice Areas.
  • Larger developments (number of buildings or roof squared footage)  
  • Preferably low-midrise (below 10 stories) but not restrictive to high-rise 
  • Active roof warranty 
  • Roofs in good conditions or recently replaced (not before than 2016) 
• NYCHA supports as site host and through technical reviews: 
  • Code compliance NEC, FDNY, among others applicable 
  • Preference for conduit run on the exterior of the buildings 
  • Structural assessment of weight placed on the rooftops, and safety 
  • Architectural review of overall design and attachments  
  • Interaction/interference of the system with other utility conduits 
  • Safety of egress and clearance for onsite staff to other roof equipment

Baseline

• Layouts – Solar PV array layout should consider egress requirements, clearances for O&M of roof and elevator equipment.  
• Inverters – Inverters are preferred to be placed in enclosed areas away from tenant access. Warning signalization is required. 
• Conduit – Solar PV arrays are often connected at the rooftop; the conduit should be visible and be lay out in a way that prevents tripping hazards. The system makes its way from the roof to the meter/electrical rooms (often located at the basement) through an enclosure for conduit, often between 3-7″ wide, which depends on the system size. 
  • The preferred location for the conduit is in the exterior of the building.  
  • If conduit cannot be run on the outside of the building, any interior runs must be code compliant and adhere to NYCHA’s policies and avoid resident interference or disturbance.  
• Structural loads – Wind loads and robust connections to existing slabs must be included in design.  
• Attachments – Like other mechanical installations (such as water tanks, HVAC, communications equipment), attaching PV panels to a rooftop demands careful detailing of the roofing system to prevent maintenance problems. 
• Security and Safety notices – Many NYCHA roofs are accessible via stairhall bulkheads. If a solar PV system is installed on a building, installers are required to post notice on the doored access. 
• If community solar work is being considered through CompMod or Trust, it must be closely coordinated with NYCHA’s Sustainability Programs team. 

Strategies

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

Prioritize Sustainable Materials, Technologies & Practices

Innovate Adaptive & Resilient Solutions

Last Updated on January 10, 2026 at 8:21 am