By Gina Farese, CEO Marcor Construction & Marcor Solar

It was an honor to participate as a panelist at the 23rd Annual Long Island Smart Growth Summit, specifically the Clean Energy Resources panel. This year’s summit brought together over 1,000 leaders from the business, government, and community sectors to discuss critical issues impacting Long Island’s growth and development.

My focus was on bringing attention to the “good, the bad, and the ugly” of Long Island’s solar industry. While the growth of solar energy on Long Island is incredibly encouraging, it’s crucial to address the challenges and ensure we are building a sustainable and trustworthy industry.

Here are some key takeaways from my panel discussion:

• The Good: Long Island is making strides in solar adoption, with increasing numbers of homeowners and businesses embracing clean energy solutions. This shift is reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, creating jobs, and contributing to a healthier environment.
• The Bad: Unfortunately, the rapid growth of the solar industry has attracted some unscrupulous actors. Unrealistic promises, subpar installations, and aggressive sales tactics are eroding consumer trust.
• The Ugly: Lack of proper consumer protection and industry oversight can leave homeowners vulnerable to scams and poor-quality workmanship. This not only harms individual consumers but also casts a shadow on the entire solar industry.

Moving Forward:

To foster a thriving and ethical solar industry on Long Island, we need to focus on:

• Transparency and Education: Providing clear, accurate information about solar technology, costs, and benefits is essential. Consumers need to be empowered to make informed decisions.
• Industry Standards and Accountability: Stronger regulations and enforcement are needed to weed out bad actors and ensure that all solar installations meet high-quality standards.
• Customer Advocacy: Protecting consumer rights and providing recourse for those who have been wronged is critical for building trust in the solar industry.

I was thrilled to see the level of engagement and interest in clean energy at the Smart Growth Summit. By working together – industry leaders, policymakers, and consumers – we can create a brighter future for solar on Long Island.

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