New York Governor Unveils Framework For State To Achieve At Least 10 GW of Distributed Solar

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Dec. 17 unveiled a framework for the state to achieve at least 10 gigawatts (GW) of distributed solar by 2030.

The roadmap was submitted by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) to the New York Public Service Commission for public comment and approval.

The announcement supports the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandate to generate 70 percent of the state’s electricity from renewables by 2030.

The roadmap proposes a comprehensive strategy to expand the state’s NY-Sun initiative into one of the largest and most inclusive solar programs of its kind in the nation.

NYSERDA and DPS evaluated multiple strategies to deploy 10 GW or more of distributed solar — projects that are under five megawatts (MW) in size, including rooftop installations and community solar projects — by 2030 and determined that extending the NY-Sun initiative provides the most efficient, familiar, and cost-effective path forward.

The roadmap proposes at least 1,600 MW of new solar capacity to benefit disadvantaged communities and low-to-moderate income New Yorkers, with an estimated $600 million in investments serving these communities.

It also proposes at least 560 MW to be advanced through the Long Island Power Authority and at least 450 MW to be built in the Con Edison electric service area.

The roadmap is available for public comment on the DPS website and subsequent decision-making in 2022.

Since the NY-Sun initiative was launched, NYSERDA has worked closely with local governments, agricultural communities, other state agencies, and a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that projects are developed and sited in a manner that fully considers land use and are advanced in close collaboration with local stakeholders and agricultural communities.

NYSERDA will extend its ongoing technical assistance for all municipalities in the state to assist localities in aligning solar development with local priorities.