Nassau County's 911 center gets solar roof

The state will donate a solar roof to Nassau County's new 911 command center in New Cassel, officials said Thursday.

The New York Power Authority will pick up the estimated installation cost of $400,000 to $500,000, authority chief executive Richard Kessel said at a news conference with Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano.

Some county workers are already using the building, which is still being renovated, and the 911 personnel and fire marshals will likely move in by June, Mangano said.

"This is an exciting beginning to a journey to make Nassau County more efficient and energy-independent," Mangano said. "It will save taxpayers dollars and help lower power plant emissions."

The solar cells will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 93,548 pounds annually, save the county $1 million in energy costs annually, and generate 80 kilowatts, officials said.

Officials said 80 kilowatts is enough to provide energy to 80 homes at any given time.

The officials also displayed the new LED (light-emitting diode) traffic lights that will be installed at all 1,600 county owned intersections. The new lights, announced last November, have elongated visors above each lens to avoid snow buildup because the new bulbs - although brighter - do not burn hot enough to melt snow.