NYSERDA, National Grid announce 21 new community solar projects in New York

The New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and its partner, National Grid, recently announced 21 new community solar projects throughout the state.

The projects were selected as part of the first round of the Expanded Solar for All community solar program. These 21 projects will provide more than 120 megawatts of clean energy for underserved communities in the state. Specifically, it will serve nearly 175,000 income-eligible customers in National Grid’s upstate service areas once fully implemented.

“NYSERDA is proud to partner with National Grid through this Expanded Solar For All program to give underserved New Yorkers an opportunity to save on their monthly electricity bill and contribute to a cleaner and healthier New York. All across the state, community solar projects like these are harnessing the power of the sun in order to provide renewable energy to nearby homeowners and renters who may not be able to otherwise access solar,” Doreen Harris, president and CEO at NYSERDA, said.

Community solar involves building a large array of solar panels at an offsite location that allows homeowners and renters to access solar power without installing panels on their homes. The energy is still delivered through their regular electric provider, but customers receive credits on their electricity bill. In this first phase alone, National Grid anticipates providing up to $240 million in total bill credits during the 25-year lifetime of the program.

“Fighting climate change and transitioning to clean energy is not simple and can’t be solved by a single solution,” Rudy Wynter, National Grid’s New York President, said. “Further, we must ensure the energy transition is a just transition that leaves no communities behind. The Expanded Solar For All program is an important first step in our journey and one that will provide access to customers most in need.”

The next round of projects through this initiative is expected to be selected next year. The second phase, subject to approval by the Public Service Commission, would double the total anticipated bill credits to up to $480 million over the program’s lifetime.