Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that New York has completed installing more than 2 GW of community solar throughout the state – enough to serve 393,000 homes – and announced that 3.3 GW of community solar is currently under construction.
This announcement marks significant progress towards achieving New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal of installing 6 GW of distributed solar by 2025 and 10 GW by 2030.
“New York’s two-gigawatt community solar achievement proves our commitment to building a clean and healthy future,” Governor Hochul said. “Our ongoing investment in community solar generates measurable benefits for our health, our environment, our economy, and for the thousands of New Yorkers who can now enjoy lower electric bills, all thanks to our ability to harness the power of the sun.”
Community solar projects provide access to solar energy for homeowners, renters, and business owners who may not be able to directly install solar panels onsite. With community solar, the power produced from the solar array is sent directly back into the electric grid. As the electric grid is supplied with clean energy, subscribers receive a credit on their electric bills for their portion of the solar system’s output.
Currently, community solar accounts for 61% of total solar installations across New York. In addition, New York’s distributed solar pipeline now consists of more than 8,700 projects, which, once complete, will provide 3,297 MW of clean energy – equivalent to powering more than 600,000 homes.
“Now is the time to double down on this momentum to secure a future powered by low-cost, clean solar power in New York. The solar and storage industry looks forward to working with NYSERDA, Governor Hochul, and other leaders to bolster programs that expand community solar and uplift communities across the state,” said Northeast Regional Director for the Solar Energy Industries Association Valessa Souter-Kline.
According to Wood Mackenzie’s latest Solar Market Insight quarterly report, New York is ranked as number one in 2023 for community solar installations, number two in overall distributed solar, and number five for residential solar.
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “New York is steadfast in its commitment to achieving our Climate Act goals, and every milestone reached is one step closer to a more reliable, equitable, zero-emissions electric grid. As the top market in the nation, community solar will continue to be a vital model to deliver clean, low-cost renewable energy to places where rooftop-mounted solar panels aren’t feasible, ensuring more New Yorkers realize the benefits of this renewable resource.”
