White Plains Mayor Tom Roach wants to launch a solar program aimed toward helping residents save funds.

The proposal surfaces as the state makes plans to reach 100% clean electricity by 2040.

“It’s not going to be solved by the state alone. The localities have to get involved, and businesses have to get involved, we all have to get involved,” says Roach.

News 12 is told the city of White Plains would become the first municipality in Westchester to launch a community solar program and would become the largest community solar energy producer in Westchester.

Roach believes the project will expand the city's commercial and residential solar production. It calls for solar panel installation at eight city-owned locations, including Chester Maple and Longview garages, as well as the Gedney Way recycling facility.

"We wanted to go big. We are in a climate crisis, it's a time for action. It's not a time for programs that make us feel better. It’s a time for programs that actually move the needle,” he says.

The city plans to lease out the space to a developer who will own the solar panels and sell the electricity to the grid. In return, the city is expected to earn nearly $1 million per year using the system.

Having solar panels would allow citizens to buy into the solar project and in return, receive a 10% credit on their monthly electric bill.

To begin, the White Plains Common Council would have to approve the project.

The expected completion date for all eight sites is March 2021.