Ampion Renewable Energy has enrolled more than 1,400 low-income residents in the Erie County Low-Income Program for Sustainable Energy (ECLIPSE) during its first six months of operation. The community solar initiative is supporting residents of Erie County, New York.
A rooftop community solar array in Harrison, New York.
Current enrollees are expected to save a combined $63,000 per year on electricity costs through discounted solar credits applied to their electricity bills. The program offers qualifying residents savings of up to 10% on their electric bills, with no upfront investment or installation requirements.
“ECLIPSE seeks to lower the energy burden for households that need relief while expanding access to renewable power,” said Sarah Sanford, Senior Energy Development Specialist and ECLIPSE Coordinator. “Our early results show what’s possible when local government, community organizations, and renewable energy providers work together. Ampion has been an important partner in helping us scale quickly and ensure that community solar is accessible to the people who need it most.”
The program’s success comes from a grassroots outreach strategy built by Erie County and Ampion. The campaign helps reduce residents’ energy burdens through clear, direct engagement. Efforts include community events, direct mail, text messages to eligible households, and in-person events to ensure the message reaches low-income residents in need. Ampion supported these efforts with educational materials, a streamlined online enrollment system, and personalized enrollment assistance. The company’s track record of managing over 1.5 GW of community solar projects ensures Erie County’s program is built for scale.
See SPW reporting on how community solar subscriptions are managed.
“We meet residents where they are to ensure we reach as many energy-burdened households as possible,” said Brian Buzby, Community Partnerships Executive at Ampion. “The enrollment numbers reflect both the community’s need for energy cost relief and the effectiveness of working closely with local governments to build trust. Our ability to scale programs like ECLIPSE demonstrates that community solar can reach the families who need it while still delivering strong results for developers and communities alike.”
The program remains open to Erie County homeowners and renters who participate in federal or state assistance programs, including the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Residents can sign up for the program at erie.gov/eclipse.
News item from Ampion
