LI homeowners show interest in solar power

Long Islanders appear to be taking a shine to solar power.

A California company said earlier this week that about 170 Long Islanders have signed up for information on how best to purchase solar power for their homes. The company, 1BOG.org, has selected an installer, Port Chester-based Mercury Solar Systems, which also has an office in Garden City.

1BOG chief executive David Llorens said consumers will benefit by group purchasing from the installer. 1BOG says a typical solar system costs about $26,000 before LIPA rebates and federal and state tax credits. Long Islanders, 1BOG says, would save about $1,500 a year and the system would pay for itself in five years.

LIPA says more than 2,400 Long Islanders now produce electricity with solar equipment. 1BOG says it has arranged for solar installations in California, Louisiana, Arizona and New Jersey.

Information is available at solarLongIsland.1BOG.org.