New York Solar Power Grows 800 Percent Over Past 5 Years
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that state-supported solar power in New York has increased nearly 800 percent over the past 5 years.
From December 2011 through December 2016, solar power saw a nearly 800 percent increase in New York, leveraging nearly $1.5 billion in private investment.
Solar growth is critical to Governor Cuomo's Clean Energy Standard that 50 percent of New York's electricity comes from renewable sources by 2030.
The solar growth in New York 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, among others.
There were many factors that contributed to the growth, including 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.
Governor Cuomo said:
New York is a national leader in clean energy, and the tremendous growth of the solar industry across this state demonstrates this renewal technology’s increased accessibility and affordability for residents and businesses. 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.
Maps showing megawatts of solar for counties in each New York region and a chart illustrating pre-NY-Sun versus post-NY-Sun figures can be found here