New York has now installed 6 gigawatts of solar power capacity, reaching the target set by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act one year earlier than planned.
The 5.7kWh project that pushed The Empire State over the line is expected to produce enough electricity to power one thousand homes. The entire network of solar power installations in the state is now estimated to produce enough power for one million homes and businesses.
In addition to the clean energy created, the solar drive – underpinned by the NY Sun initiative – has attracted more than $9 billion in private investment into New York and has created over 14,000 jobs (the majority of which must pay the prevailing wage).
“Distributed solar is at the heart of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the availability of renewable energy, and delivering substantial benefits for our health, our environment, and our economy,” said Governor Kathy Hochul, adding that New York is now “one step closer to a reliable and resilient zero-emission grid.”
Just under 30% of New York’s energy currently comes from renewable sources. State law requires the state to reach 70% renewable energy generation by 2030 and to achieve a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040.
US nationwide solar power generation is expected to grow 75% between 2023 and 2025, from 163 billion kWh to 286 billion kWh.
