Staten Island, New York, USA 06 May 2016 -- The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Pratt Industries and EnterSolar on Thursday celebrated completion of the second largest state-supported solar project in New York City. Located at Pratt's Staten Island-based box plant, the new rooftop solar project will help the company further reduce its impact on the environment by offsetting 45 percent of its grid-supplied electricity usage with clean, renewable solar energy.

The 1.4 megawatt rooftop solar project was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the plant Thursday at 4435 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island. The project advances the goals of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) strategy to build a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. It also advances the State's Clean Energy Standard mandate that 50 percent of the State's electricity needs come from renewable energy by 2030.

NYSERDA President and CEO John B. Rhodes said, "Pratt Industries is investing in clean, affordable energy with this large solar project that advances Governor Cuomo's renewable energy goals. I congratulate everyone involved in this project, a model for industrial plants across New York State and beyond."

NYSERDA provided almost $1.6 million in incentives to this project as part of Governor Cuomo's $1 billion NY-Sun initiative to advance the scale-up of solar and move New York State closer to having a self-sufficient solar industry. EnterSolar, a New York City-based solar company, developed the project for Pratt, which is America's fifth largest corrugated packaging company and one of the world's largest privately held companies manufacturing 100 percent recycled paper and packaging.

More than 5,400 solar panels were installed on the rooftop of the 150,000-square-foot box plant. A 1.4 megawatt (MW) solar project provides electricity equivalent to powering 232 average-sized homes and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent to taking 182 cars off the road.

Pratt Industries Plant General Manager Bob Reid said, "This is a great day for our company and for Staten Island. This project is in line with our company's core values to protect the environment and embrace clean energy, and it continues our mission to provide sustainable packaging solutions for our customers. This is good for our bottom line and the environment."

EnterSolar Managing Director Peyton Boswell said, "This project is significant for EnterSolar for a number of reasons. First, we love seeing more solar adoption in New York City, where we are headquartered. We are also particularly glad to work with businesses whose mission of sustainability is so close to our own, and with companies like Pratt who understand and embrace not only the green aspects of going solar, but recognize the economic benefits as well."

Staten Island Borough President James Oddo said, "Like many other Staten Island homeowners and businesses who have already adopted solar energy, Pratt Industries is leading the way by installing solar panels. Pratt is an important part of Staten Island's economy and is an excellent corporate citizen. I applaud the company for continuing to show great leadership in its renewable energy and recycling programs."

Assemblyman Michael Cusick said, "As one of Staten Island's largest employers and a tremendous asset for our borough, I applaud the leadership of Pratt Industries for their addition of solar energy to their Staten Island plant. Pratt is setting a tremendous example for industries throughout our city, state and nation that renewable energy is both beneficial to the environment and for a business' bottom line. "

City Council Minority Leader Steven Matteo said, "Since it opened here on Staten Island nearly 20 years ago, Pratt Industries has been a great employer to hundreds of residents and a great partner to government. This investment in renewable solar energy is another demonstration of their commitment to sustainability and to being a good corporate citizen."