New York has reached 6 GW of distributed solar built in the state, marking an early achievement of the legislative goal of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Solar energy generation, which benefits homes, business owners and community solar project customers, is enough to power more than 1 million homes.
“Today we celebrate the early achievement of the 6 GW milestone in New York, which brings us one step closer to a reliable and resilient zero-emissions grid,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Distributed solar energy is at the heart of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the availability of renewable energy and delivering substantial benefits for our health, our environment and our economy.”
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) president and CEO Doreen M. Harris made the announcement at a distributed solar project in the city of New Scotland. The project, developed by New Leaf Energy and owned by Generate Capital, is a 5.7 MW solar array that will provide enough energy to power nearly 1,000 homes annually.
“As the nation’s leading community solar market, New York State has provided a replicable model for others to deliver clean, low-cost renewable energy to more consumers,” Harris said. “Our public-private partnerships are the catalysts that helped us reach our 6 GW target well ahead of target, paving the way for New York to a just energy transition.”
New York is increasing access to solar energy for low-income households through the Solar for All pilot program, administered through NYSERDA. Solar for All lets solar project developers work with utility National Grid to provide additional bill savings to low-income customers in the Energy Affordability Program. The Public Service Commission has approved an order to replicate NYSERDA’s Solar for All pilot program statewide, including solar projects at National Grid, ConEdison, Orange and Rockland, New York State Electric and Gas, Central Hudson Gas & Electric and Rochester Gas and Electric utility areas.
The statewide Solar for All program provides electric bill credit to EAP customers. The long-term program design encourages the continued growth of community solar and storage and focuses the benefits of that growth on New York State’s low-income residents.
In April 2024, NYSERDA was selected to receive nearly $250 million from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All program to enhance New York’s existing portfolio of solar energy deployment, technical assistance and workforce development programs for more than 6.8 million state residents living in low-income households and underserved communities. As part of the grant funding, New York State Housing and Community Renewal, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and New York City Housing Preservation and Development will also implement new programs that address specific barriers to solar energy deployment for these population group.
News release from NYSERDA
