The GOOD 100: I Heart PV

A Case Study

In New York, the Solar One education center—the city’s only stand-alone solar building—and its I Heart PV campaign are working proof that the sun can help power our cities.

MISSION “To inspire New Yorkers to become environmentally responsible residents through environmental education, access to sustainable arts performances, and energy conservation using its own solar building as a prototype.” I Heart PV is its “citizen-led, grassroots advocacy campaign that seeks to drive legislative and regulatory support for the development of clean, renewable photovoltaic power in the world’s greatest city and throughout the Empire State.”

VITALS Founded in 2003, Solar One is in New York City’s Stuyvesant Cove Park.

ACCOLADES Education programs have reached more than 10,000 students from 42 New York City schools; its own solar-power system generates 3,600 kilowatts of energy each year, saving 3.3 pounds of carbon dioxide; successfully campaigned to get new property tax breaks for solar-panel owners passed into law.

WHY IT WORKS Hands-on education programs give kids direct experiences with working solar technology. Hosting arts programs and festivals that include acts like Dead Prez helps engage the community. For its grassroots policy campaigns, I Heart PV uses smart strategies like Cause Caller, which allows members to reach multiple lawmakers at once.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE The new Solar 2 building will be 10 times the size of Solar One, carbon neutral, and will supply all of its own energy (construction begins in November). I Heart PV is aiming for statewide campaigns and a “million solar roofs” campaign for New York.