The Solar Energy Industries Association, SEIA, recently congratulated New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo’s decision to transition the state’s multiple solar programs into the single, statewide NY-Sun Incentive Program. The move, according to SEIA, goes a long way in enhancing regulatory certainty for solar power in the state.

“This administration has taken real steps towards going solar, and these steps are paying off,” said Rhone Resch, SEIA president and CEO. “New York is moving quickly up our Solar State rankings, due largely to the actions of New York State Energy Research and Development Agency, or NYSERDA, which has recognized the value of clean, renewable solar energy to the state’s economy and environment. We congratulate the administration on its development of the MW Block program, which will drive down costs, attract significant capital investment, and limit the cost to ratepayers by imposing discipline on the market.”

The state of New York is increasingly embracing solar energy projects, as evidenced by the well-publicized support of Governor Cuomo’s office.¹ By SEIA’s count, there are more than 415 solar companies and 5,000 employees at work throughout the solar value chain in New York. According to Resch, in 2013 $343 million was invested in New York to install solar for home, business and utility use. This represents a 12 per cent increase over the previous year, and is expected to grow again this year. Estimates indicate there is enough solar energy installed in the state to power 45,800 homes.  

1. “SolarTech East: New York State of Mind,” Renewable Energy Focus May/June issue, pp 24–25.