Distributed Generation, Regulation, Solar, Sourcing Renewables  -  February 27, 2017

New York-supported solar grows 800% in 5 years

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently announced that state-supported solar power in the state increased nearly 800% from December 2011 to December 2016, leveraging nearly $1.5 billion in private investment.

The growth, according to the governor's office, is critical to supporting Gov. Cuomo's renewable energy standard, which calls for 50% of New York's electricity to come from clean energy sources by 2030. 

"New York is a national leader in clean energy, and the tremendous growth of the solar industry across this state demonstrates this renewable technology’s increased accessibility and affordability for residents and businesses," Gov. Cuomo said in a Feb. 21 news release. "Our investments in this clean energy resource create jobs, reduce carbon emissions, support economic growth, and help build a cleaner, greener New York for all."

The 795% growth in solar energy over the last five years was supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the New York Power Authority, the Long Island Power Authority and other private and public sector actors, the governor's office  said.

About 65,000 projects were installed through the end of 2016, compared with about 9,000 through the end of 2011. These state-supported projects total nearly 744 MW of solar power installed. That amount of electricity would be sufficient to meet the needs of more than 121,000 average homes.

The largest percentage increase in solar power was in the Mohawk Valley, followed by the Finger Lakes Region, Central New York and the Southern Tier. Long Island has more installations than any other region of the State, followed by the Mid-Hudson Valley and Capital Region.

Cuomo's office said the significant growth of solar power is attributed to a combination of factors, including the NY-Sun Megawatt Block Incentive program, a decline in solar equipment prices, and growth in the number of installer businesses marketing solar directly to consumers.

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