The New York City Economic Development Corporation, UPROSE, and Working Power have announced plans for Sunset Park Solar, a 725-kilowatt solar array designed to deliver clean, affordable energy to Sunset Park residents and businesses, the organization said in a press release on Friday.
The project, the city’s first community-led solar initiative, aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy costs and create job opportunities for local residents. Over its lifetime, the solar installation will generate $1.24 million in energy savings for 150 low-income households, who will see direct reductions on their Con Edison bills based on their share of the solar energy produced.
Located on the roof of Building B at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, the 45,000-square-foot solar array will be co-owned by UPROSE and Working Power. Revenue generated from the project will flow into a community wealth fund, enabling Sunset Park residents to allocate resources to their priorities, including expanding clean energy initiatives.
“At UPROSE, we have always known that real climate justice is built on the leadership and vision of frontline communities,” said Elizabeth Yeampierre, Executive Director of UPROSE. “Anchored by the work of our Climate Justice Center, this project is a bold step forward in decarbonizing Sunset Park and will serve as a blueprint for frontline communities across the country."
Construction is set to begin in early 2025, providing local workforce development opportunities and advancing Sunset Park’s green economy.
“This project will further activate the Brooklyn Army Terminal and set a citywide model for advancing an equitable and sustainable green economy,” said Andrew Kimball, president and CEO of NYCEDC.
City and state officials welcomed the initiative as a milestone in climate action and energy equity.
"Sunset Park Solar reduces emissions and gives Sunset Park neighbors and businesses access to clean, affordable energy they can rely on," said New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes.
“Solar energy has the potential to bring down energy bills and improve environmental conditions, and I am so glad that Sunset Park is leading the way for a cleaner and cheaper Brooklyn," said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso.
The initiative aligns with Mayor Eric Adams’ Green Economy Action Plan, which emphasizes clean energy, workforce development, and sustainable urban infrastructure.
The army terminal, home to more than 125 industrial businesses employing 4,000 people, is also set to host a Climate Innovation Hub, a 112,000-square-foot facility supporting clean tech startups, research commercialization and job creation.
