Solar Liberty Celebrates 15 Years
Kylie Monacelli
September 26, 2017
In 2003, brothers Adam and Nathan Rizzo began Solar Liberty to help the environment and to spread the word about solar energy. Installing solar by 2005, they took the industry by storm. Solar Liberty has grown rapidly in 15 years – with over 40 megawatts installed and over 2,300 customers. The company has continued to increase their New York State solar workforce as well as expanding solar education to consumers.
Inc. Magazine recognized the company as the “fifth fastest growing private company in the U.S. energy sector” in 2003. Solar Liberty was also awarded as the “largest solar installer in New York State” in 2008.
Solar Liberty’s Senior Project Manager, Michael Prinzi says, “In the eight years I have been here, I have seen the industry become mainstream. It just makes sense for everyone. Solar Liberty is a dynamic, experienced and family-owned business.”
At a capacity of 10 megawatts, St. John’s Cemetery Annex in West Babylon, New York is the solar company’s largest project to date – and the second largest in New York State.. Other noteworthy projects are University at Buffalo, 22 Life Storage facilities, New York City Public Schools and the Town of Holland. National Grid chose Solar Liberty for the current “Buffalo Fruit Belt Project” – reaching 290 kilowatts capacity on 49 homes and one church to date. The program helps rehabilitate the neighborhood with roof repairs, energy efficiency and solar systems at no cost to the residents.
“Brighter Wyoming County” was developed by Solar Liberty in 2015 – helping the residents of the county go solar through a group discounted purchasing program.
“Our mission has always been to make solar energy viable and feasible for everyone. We are a local New York business. We value our customers and educating our communities about solar energy. I am proud and elated to have spent 15 years doing what I love, while helping other people and the environment,” states Adam Rizzo, President of Solar Liberty.
A group of Solar Liberty employees was asked, “Why do you like working at Solar Liberty?” Each employee answered with these similar three responses: “I love what I do and the people I work with.”
Solar Liberty contributes tremendously to the Solar Liberty Foundation. Completed projects include a health clinic, school and orphanage in Haiti, solar cookers in Kenya, and more solar donations to Liberia and Tanzania. During winter this year, a group of volunteers will travel to Africa to provide solar energy to an all-girls school in Tanzania, Africa. The Solar Liberty Foundation will continue to provide solar energy to underdeveloped communities throughout the world.
