**Exploring the Growth of Community Solar in New York: A $49.5 Million Milestone**
When it comes to the solar industry, New York continues to shine as a leading state for renewable energy innovation. Recently, four upcoming community solar projects in upstate New York caught my attention. These projects, totaling 25.58 MW, were sold for $49.5 million, setting the stage for a significant step forward in the adoption of solar energy. For those new to the industry, this might raise a few questions: What makes community solar special? How does it benefit residents and businesses? And why is New York leading the charge? Let’s dive into the details.
### What Are Community Solar Projects?
Community solar is an increasingly popular approach to renewable energy that allows individuals and businesses to benefit from solar power without needing to install solar panels on their property. It’s a perfect solution for people who rent their homes, those who live in shaded areas, or anyone unable to afford the upfront costs of solar panels for their home.
Instead of owning a solar array for home use, participants subscribe to a shared solar project—like the four projects in question, named Gainesville, Hardie, Rice Road, and Hwy 28. Once operational,
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2025/01/06/qcells-acquiring-community-solar-projects-in-new-york/