As a passionate scholar of solar and an established blogger, I am thrilled to share updates from New York, where there have been some exciting developments in the world of renewable energy. Namely, the New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) has reached out to Governor Kathy Hochul, requesting an escalation in the state’s distributed solar goals.
Distributed solar projects — often found nestling on rooftops, carports, and other easily accessible places — are a part of everyday life in the Empire State. As of now, the state’s climate strategy aspires to achieve 10 GW of distributed solar by 2030. But, the NYSEIA proposes we dream bigger. Their vision? A staggering 20 GW by 2035.
Where does this sunny optimism spring from? From cold, hard benefits. According to NYSEIA, reaching this goal would lead to $50 billion in electric bill savings. It could pull in $3 to $4 billion in revenue for rural landowners, municipalities, and school districts. Most pertinently for job seekers, it could support an additional 15,000 jobs in solar companies, from manufacturers to installers.
Only a handful of states could rival New York’s applause-worthy 90% solar capacity from distributed solar. With more than 800 MW of distributed solar added last year alone, the state’s solar companies are poised to cross the 6 GW mark by the end of 2024 — a year ahead of schedule!
In 2019, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) was enacted by New York, signaling lofty ambitions for renewable energy. By 2030, the aspiration is to power New York with 70% renewable energy, and bump that up to 100% by 2040. Come 2050, the goal is a carbon-neutral economy.
However, reaching these milestones isn’t smooth sailing. Feasibility issues have arisen, with several major utility-scale renewable projects cancelled recently. As NYSEIA Executive Director Noah Ginsburg rightfully pointed out, “legislative leaders and regulators must take decisive action.”
Governor Hochul initiated a 10-point plan in 2023 to reboot utility-scale renewable projects. But even with this push, they alone won’t suffice to meet New York’s targets. To fill the gap, we need to double down on distributed rooftop solar. With its speedy deployment capabilities, solar panels for your home can be a game-changer.
Despite minor setbacks, New York’s solar ambitions are well within reach. To hit the proposed target of 20 GW by 2035, the state needs to maintain an annual growth of 7-10% in solar deployment, compared to the current average annual growth of 31% since 2013.
Driving this growth is New York’s top-rated community solar program, which offers direct bill savings, especially for low-income households. For continued progress, NYSEIA suggests vital policy changes such as interconnection reform, streamlined permitting for rooftop and community solar, and virtual power plant programs.
Indeed, as New York State Senator Pete Harckham said, “distributed solar has performed so well in New York because it fits the nature of our state.” It’s time for us to lean into our character as a state. After all, there’s nothing more empowering than a solar array for home, driving one’s own energy independence. As a solar company expert and blogger, I will continue to keep you updated on these ever-evolving solar industry developments. Stay tuned, and let the solar power shine on you.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/06/26/new-york-governor-urged-to-double-solar-deployment-goal/
