Report: New York’s solar capacity quadruples

The solar energy industry is growing in New York state, with a more than 300 percent increase in solar capacity between 2011 and 2014 ”“ twice the rate of U.S. solar growth ”“ according to Gov. Andrew Cuomo”™s office.

New York’s solar installations had a capacity of approximately 315 megawatts as of December, equivalent to powering more than 51,000 homes, compared with 78 megawatts in 2011.

The mid-Hudson region’s solar capacity more than quadrupled during that period, from 12 to 63 megawatts.

Solar capacity tripled, quadrupled or quintupled in every region of the state other than Long Island, with the largest percentage increase in the North Country, which saw a 573 percent increase in solar capacity and a 153 percent increase in solar projects installed.

In a statement this week, Cuomo credited the growth as proof of the value of his Reforming the Energy Vision strategy, including the $1 billion NY-Sun Initiative, which provides incentives for installing solar power systems. He also attributed the growth to a decline in solar electric component prices and growth in the number of installer businesses marketing solar electric directly to consumers.

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar energy is the fastest-growing energy technology in the United States.

Solar capacity grew in the U.S. by 146 percent from 2011 to 2014 and national installed solar photovoltaic system prices have dropped steadily ”“ by 8 percent from 2013 to 2014 and by 49 percent from 2010 to last year.

In New York, there are more than 538 solar companies employing more than 7,000 people, the association said.

The state ranked seventh in the country for installed photovoltaic capacity in 2014, up from ninth a year earlier, according to the association.