In recognition of Earth Day, the Governor's Office of Storm Recovery on Monday announced a new solar power and battery backup project to keep Brooklyn's lights on.

Solar panels will be installed to aid two nonprofits in case of an electrical outage. Those receiving them are Birch Family Services Residential Facility in Canarsie and Flatlands Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

Birch Family Service helps families with developmental disabilities. It will receive 18 panels.

Flatlands Volunteer Ambulance Corps will get 42 panels. Its volunteers say they lost power for five days when Sandy hit in 2012.

"We now have opportunities with solar panel and battery storage to change that dynamic so people will have the confidence to know the next time this happens, we're ready to respond and be able to take care of our citizens," says Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Monday was the first phase of the project, which will cost more than $400,000. The panels are set to be installed by this fall, and the backup batter system by 2020.