For over five years, New York has contemplated and debated a long-term program to drive the widespread adoption of solar from Buffalo to Brooklyn. Vote Solar has been there every step of the way. Our blood, sweat and tears finally paid off earlier this year when the State committed to support the development of a whopping ten times more solar by 2023!!
Just last week this promise turned reality with the launch of a revamped NY-Sun Initiative, which will fundamentally transform the statewide market. At the heart of a redesigned NY-Sun, multiple state solar programs will be merged with the goal of driving more than 3,000 megawatts (MW) statewide while tackling market barriers and creating solar opportunities for thousands of more New Yorkers.
Having advocated for many years for exactly this type of long-term solar program in New York, this is truly music to our ears and we’re ready to celebrate!
Most notably, this new NY-Sun will adopt “best in show” program design that will bring the market to scale and provide a clear path to sustain it for many years to come. Specifically, NY-Sun will use a proven MW block system approach that is responsive to changing market conditions and allows solar in each region of the state to grow at its own pace.
Tip of the hat to our friends at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) for their diligence, thoughtfulness and transparency in working with stakeholders to establish this strong program design. The MW block approach will utilize a publicly facing dashboard that shows real-time progression through the different incentive blocks and progress towards the goal of deploying more than 3,000 MW. Dashboard, here. More details about the MW blocks, here.
Governor Cuomo said it best, “Merging these programs into the NY-Sun Incentive Program will stimulate development of solar projects across this state, and sends a clear message that New York is a leader in solar energy innovation. This approach will help the industry plan for the future, spur new development and aid in New York’s transition to a cleaner, cheaper and more efficient energy grid.”
