New York reaches 3 GW of solar energy deployed amid surging growth, falling prices

Fueled by a wealth of new solar projects and the tumbling cost of solar, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this week that New York has achieved 3 GW of solar deployment across the state.

Currently, that means solar in New York could power more than 500,000 homes. Solar growth has increased by 2,100 percent in the state since deployment of the NY-Sun initiative in 2011, while solar costs simultaneously declined 69 percent. Developments are already underway that will fulfill another 2.7 GW of Cuomo’s goal — and a demand of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act — of 6 GW of solar by 2025.

“Solar energy is a key component in New York’s transition to a clean energy economy as we work to reduce harmful emissions across the board and address the dual challenges of fighting climate change and rebuilding stronger post-pandemic,” Cuomo said. “The success of NY-Sun demonstrates we are on track to meeting our nation-leading energy goals while stimulating green job growth and economic recovery in communities across the state as part of our comprehensive plan to reimagine New York following the pandemic.”

The milestone was announced at the ribbon-cutting for the 17B project in Bethel, New York — the largest community solar project in the Mid-Hudson region. It includes a 6.1 MW solar array, with residential, small business, and non-profit subscribers benefitting from its production. It is the latest in a long string of constructions, as last year, New York ranked first in the United States for community solar installations, from which it produced 549 MW of capacity.

“This three-gigawatt milestone is an impressive accomplishment and testament to New York’s strong commitment to solar,” David Gahl, senior director of State Policy, East, at the Solar Energy Industries Association, said. “The solar industry supports more than 10,000 jobs in the state, and programs like the NY-Sun initiative will help continue to generate investments and job opportunities as we work toward reaching the short and long-term goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. SEIA looks forward to continuing our productive collaboration with NYSERDA and state leaders to keep solar working for New York’s economy and environment.”

Since its launch in 2011, NY-Sun has provided more than $1 billion in incentives and leveraged $5.3 billion in private investment to aid these efforts. This has led to more than 12,000 solar jobs in the region. NYSERDA is a public benefit corporation that helps provide services, technical expertise, and funding to increase energy efficiency, cost-cutting, renewable energy use, and reduction of fossil use.

“The NY-Sun initiative has made New York’s solar market a national leader by providing the market signals and support needed to expand access to clean, affordable energy for all New Yorkers,” Doreen Harris, NYSERDA president and CEO, said. “Public-private partnerships are a cornerstone of our work, and we are incredibly proud of our collaboration with the stakeholders, developers, and landowners that have helped us achieve our three gigawatts of solar milestone, an important step on the path to greening our energy grid as part of the State’s equitable clean energy transition.”