State puts up $60M for large solar energy projects
Solar energy installers working with nonresidential clients will be allocated $60 million in state funding in the third round of the statewide NY-Sun Competitive PV Program, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Tuesday.
Administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the funding initiative is for solar projects to be located at businesses, industries and institutions that are large energy users. The final solicitation under the current NY-Sun competitive program, this funding round is for systems larger than 200 kilowatts. Proposals are due in July.
Since Cuomo launched the NY-Sun initiative in 2012, a total of 316 megawatts of  photovoltaic generation capacity has been installed or is under contract ”” more than what was installed in the state through the entire prior decade, according to the governor”™s office. Recent downstate awards under the program totaled $18 million for 22 projects that will add 22 megawatts of solar capacity in the Hudson Valley and New York City.
The state funding leverages private investment that will result in $55 million in new solar power infrastructure projects, according to the governor”™s office.
“By supporting the growth of the solar industry in New York, our administration is taking a fundamental step in growing the state”™s clean energy economy,” Cuomo said in a press release. “Over the past few years, the NY-Sun initiative has been vital to reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, lowering the strain on the power grid and creating new opportunities for businesses to pursue solar installations across the state.”
Under the NY-Sun Competitive PV Program, installers submit proposals for funding based on commitments from companies interested in having solar power systems installed at their sites. The recent awards for New York City and Hudson Valley included three projects in Westchester County, four each in Orange and Rockland counties, two each in Putnam and Ulster counties and one in Sullivan County.