Solar Grows 300%+ In New York State

New York State solar capacity

New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced solar power in New York State increased more than 300 percent from 2011 to 2014 – double the rate of U.S. solar growth overall.

In New York City, installed solar capacity has grown 516% during the same period and there has been a 548% increase in individual projects.

A total of 314.48 megawatts of solar panels had been installed across New York State by the end of last year – enough to power more than 51,000 homes. An additional 304 MW+ of solar panel capacity was under contract as at May 2015; with a further 65.6 MW of applications accepted, but yet to be contracted.

Uptake has been attributed to factors including the NY-Sun initiative, a decrease in solar component prices and increasing competition between solar providers.  More than 538 solar companies are operating in New York, employing more than 7,000 people

Under the USD $1 billion NY-Sun initiative, 3,000 MW of solar power capacity will be installed by 2023 and a fleet of 40,000 electric vehicles serviced by up to 3,000 charging stations will be on the road by 2018.

“The Empire State is rapidly becoming a leader in clean energy technology, and that means greener and more sustainable communities for all New Yorkers,” stated Governor Cuomo.

“Through the $1 billion NY-Sun Initiative, we’re making solar a reality in virtually every corner of the state and building a brighter future today. I am proud to see New York pulling well ahead of the national average for the growing solar industry, and look forward to seeing that momentum continue in the years to come.”

Solar capacity has tripled, quadrupled or quintupled in every region of New York State, except for Long Island.

According to figures from the Solar Energy Industries Association., New York State ranked 7th in the USA for installed capacity last year, up from 9th in 2013.

“NYSERDA will continue to build on this momentum and work toward Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision strategy to create a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers,” said New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO, John B. Rhodes.

NYSERDA recently proposed a commitment of USD $1.5 billion over 10 years for the expansion of large scale renewable energy technologies in the state.

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