Mineola, N.Y. - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano recently showcased EmPower Solar as the Nassau County "Business of the Month" and toured their facility. EmPower Solar, an Island Park-based company, is a leading solar contracting corporation serving Long Island and New York City residential and commercial markets. EmPower Solar engineers and installs solar electric systems, in addition to installing solar charging stations for electric vehicles. "Businesses like EmPower Solar are the heartbeat of our local economy," said County Executive Mangano. "With local employers contributing to the economic base and connectivity of our local communities, we must help raise awareness of the role they play and promote a business-friendly Nassau that attracts suppliers and distributors in similar industries." Since 2003, EmPower has installed over 320 residential, commercial and non-profit solar power systems, and as of 2010, EmPower Solar has doubled its installed base of residential and commercial solar energy systems over the previous year despite a turbulent economy. That success created a positive ripple effect on the local economy. In addition to creating 20 new, permanent jobs for local residents, EmPower has and continues to purchase locally at Nassau County businesses by procuring new equipment, tools and vehicles, hiring professional services firms and expanding its Island Park office and warehouse facilities to accommodate the company's growth. EmPower Solar's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), David Schieren, is optimistic EmPower's ability to utilize the power of the sun will contribute in reviving and growing Long Island's economy. Schieren attributes much of his company's growth to the declining costs of solar equipment, tax incentives, LIPA rebates and a growing acceptance of solar as a viable, alternative energy source. "We are grateful to County Executive Mangano for his leadership and vision in recognizing solar and other renewable energy sources as a means to grow Nassau's economy while addressing the pressing issues of reducing our reliance on foreign oil and protecting our environment, said Schieren. "EmPower applauds the County Executive's efforts in promoting Nassau County's business-friendly atmosphere and we are pleased to be named the Business of the Month." Schieren, who also chairs the Education and Outreach Committee of the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition states, "The green industry can be a powerful force for reviving the local and national economy and solar has already proven it is ready for prime time." In addition to its installed base of solar energy systems, EmPower Solar has consulted on many clean energy projects throughout the country, including solar powered hydrogen fueling systems and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. In 2009, EmPower Solar designed and built Long Island's first solar carport on the campus of New York Institute of Technology. The "One Spot, One Car, One Commute" solar plug-in hybrid electric vehicle project is a freestanding, four-car carport with solar panels integrated into its structure. The carport shades parked vehicles while collecting energy from the sun and converting it into power to charge plug-in hybrid vehicles. Based upon partnership EmPower Solar has with both LIPA and the non-profit Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), they were recently awarded the Photovoltaic Projects of Distinction Award given by the Solar Energy Industries Association and the Solar Electric Power Association for Long Island's largest multi-site solar photovoltaic installation. Forty-five systems generating 800 kilowatts of power is the largest investment of renewable energy on Long Island to date and will cut FREE's annual electric bill by 27%. While cost savings are important, there are significant environmental benefits, too. Each 100kW of power generated by the sun displaces approximately 92 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year which would have been produced by a fossil fuel-fired power plant. That's the equivalent environmental impact of planting almost 2,000 trees or taking over 17,000 cars off the road. In an effort to support the business community, County Executive Mangano profiles a different company on the County website each month. Each of the companies that are featured each month represent a cross-section of industry and geographic location throughout the County and many of the companies have products and services that reach beyond Nassau County. County Executive Mangano tours the facility of each business that is profiled along with members of the County's Office of Economic Development Business Development Unit, in order to demonstrate their commitment to understanding the needs of the small, mid-sized and large business community. EmPower Solar is the now the third business that has been featured since the inception of the "Business of the Month" program in April 2011. The Nassau County Office of Economic Development's Business Development Unit is seeking recommendations for Nassau County businesses to be profiled that are engaged in one of the following strategic industries: agriculture, manufacturing, financial services/data center, scientific research & development or back office operations/distribution centers. To make a recommendation, please contact Executive Director Evette Beckett-Tuggle at (516) 572-1971.