New York State hits milestone in solar installations

Two gigawatts of solar capacity have been installed across the New York State, making it one of the fastest-growing distributed solar markets in the nation, according to the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

That represents growth of nearly 1,800 percent growth. The state has been able to leverage $4 billion in private investment. The solar installations have fueled nearly 12,000 jobs since 2011 and decreased the cost of solar by almost 60 percent. The state has now achieved one-third of the solar capacity needed to meet the target of six gigawatts of solar by established by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo’s Green New Deal calls for 70 percent of the state’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030.

“Solar is a vital part of New York’s Green New Deal strategy to transition to a clean energy future and reduce emissions to combat one of the most pressing issues of our time–climate change,” Cuomo said. “The success of this initiative demonstrates we are on a path to meeting our nation-leading energy goals, and our climate agenda is spurring economic growth and leaving this planet cleaner and greener for generations to come.”

NYSERDA President and CEO Alicia Barton announced the milestone this week at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Saratoga County for one of the largest community solar projects in the state.

“Governor Cuomo’s NY-Sun initiative has made New York a national leader in distributed solar development and provided the support to make it an increasingly popular and affordable option for New Yorkers who want to lower their carbon footprint and energy bills,” Barton said. “As we wrap up the end of the decade, today’s two-gigawatt milestone is the State’s clean energy gift to all New Yorkers as we march towards Governor Cuomo’s commitment to meet 70 percent of our statewide electricity needs with renewable energy by 2030.”

These distributed solar projects increase access to solar for homeowners and renters who may not be able to directly install solar panels onsite.

“To help meet Governor Cuomo’s aggressive clean energy goals, the New York Power Authority, is leading by example with a pipeline of more than 200 MW of solar projects with its government customers,” New York Power Authority President and CEO Gil Quinones said. “We, at NYPA, are working with our partners to install the largest solar rooftop in Manhattan at the Javits Center, an innovative community solar project at John F. Kennedy Airport, and arrays at many other state and local government entities that will help to lower our customers’ energy costs and meet their sustainability goals. We are pleased to help demonstrate that solar technology has become a feasible, accessible, and affordable option for both public and private entities.”