• Ampion enrolled more than 1,400 low-income residents in Erie County’s ECLIPSE program within the first six months
• Community solar initiative generates $63,000 in annual electricity savings for enrollees
• Local solar subscriptions managed by Ampion are avoiding over 3,600 tons of CO₂ emissions each year

Ampion Renewable Energy, a leading provider of community solar management solutions, and Erie County, New York, have enrolled more than 1,400 low-income residents in the Erie County Low-Income Program for Sustainable Energy (ECLIPSE) during its first six months of operation. The program is delivering significant cost savings while expanding renewable energy across Erie County.

Current enrollees are expected to save a combined $63,000 per year on electricity costs through discounted solar credits applied to their electricity bills. The program offers qualifying residents savings of up to 10% on their electric bills, with no upfront investment or installation requirements. Beyond financial benefits, ECLIPSE is expected to help avoid an estimated 3,600+ tons of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to removing over 8.3 million miles of gasoline-powered vehicle travel.

“ECLIPSE seeks to lower the energy burden for households that need relief while expanding access to renewable power,” said Sarah Sanford, Senior Energy Development Specialist and ECLIPSE Coordinator. “Our early results show what’s possible when local government, community organizations, and renewable energy providers work together. Ampion has been an important partner in helping us scale quickly and ensure that community solar is accessible to the people who need it most.”

The program’s success comes from a grassroots outreach strategy built by Erie County and Ampion. The campaign helps reduce residents’ energy burdens through clear, direct engagement. Efforts include community events, direct mail, text messages to eligible households, and in-person events to ensure the message reaches low-income residents in need. Ampion supported these efforts with educational materials, a streamlined online enrollment system, and personalized enrollment assistance. The company’s track record of managing over 1.5 GW of community solar projects ensures Erie County’s program is built for scale.

“We meet residents where they are to ensure we reach as many energy-burdened households as possible,” said Brian Buzby, Community Partnerships Executive at Ampion. “The enrollment numbers reflect both the community's need for energy cost relief and the effectiveness of working closely with local governments to build trust. Our ability to scale programs like ECLIPSE demonstrates that community solar can reach the families who need it while still delivering strong results for developers and communities alike.”

The program remains open to Erie County homeowners and renters who participate in federal or state assistance programs, including the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Erie County and Ampion expect the program’s financial and environmental impacts to grow substantially over the coming year, offering a blueprint for other municipalities nationwide seeking to scale equitable access to clean energy. Residents can sign up for the program at erie.gov/eclipse.

To learn more about Ampion and its commitment to expanding renewable energy to all, visit ampion.net.

About Ampion:

Ampion offers the easiest way to support clean energy while saving money through Community Solar. By connecting renters, homeowners, small businesses, and other utility customers to local solar farms, Ampion boosts sustainability in communities and supports local economies. As a Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), Ampion aims to bring electricity savings to low-income Americans while providing turnkey subscription and revenue management solutions for renewable energy developers nationwide. Learn more at ampion.net.

About ECLIPSE:

Erie County launched the Erie County Low-Income Program for Sustainable Energy (ECLIPSE) to expand access to renewable energy and to lower the energy burden for low-to moderate income households. The County will provide low- and moderate-income households with guaranteed savings on their monthly electricity bills as a result of this program. Visit erie.gov/eclipse to learn more.

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