Giant Solar Panel up and Running in East New York

What is reportedly the largest solar panel system in New York state is installed and working on top of a mixed-use affordable housing development under construction at 1149-1166 Elton Street in East New York. The 214,000-watt solar electric photovoltaic system at the 197-unit complex, known as the Gateway Elton, is intended to offset the common area electrical demand by 68 percent. This is equal to almost 300,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions per year, or equal to almost eight acres of mature trees, according to a release put out by developer The Hudson Companies Inc. and non-profit agency CAMBA. The building is on track to be a certified LEED Platinum development, with vinyl-free construction, EnergyStar appliances and dual-flush toilets. The units are intended to be affordable for families earning below 60 percent of the median income for the area, or $46,080 for a family of four. Construction is expected to create 950 jobs. The application deadline for 156 of the planned units was July.