New York State Takes Activist Role in Implementing Solar Energy Projects

September 30, 2014 – The investment doesn’t amount to a lot of dollars, a mere $1 billion, a drop in the bucket compared to the hundreds of billions and trillions that are the numbers associated with the fossil fuel industry, but New York State is on a path to increase solar capacity by 68%. This amounts to 214 Megawatts of new installations.

Now 214 Megawatts may sound like a lot but it doesn’t even scratch the surface of the energy demand bubble for the state. This summer New York State topped 39,520 Megawatts in energy capacity. Of that 6,033 Megawatts came from green energy sources. The breakdown included over 4,300 Megawatts from conventional hydroelectricity and 1,274 Megawatts from wind. The balance came from geothermal, solar, wood and landfill gas and incineration.

But regardless the step is being taken to bring more solar on board and initially it is to begin with installations at 142 sites comprising 50 businesses, 41 schools, 36 government offices, and 15 colleges, healthcare and non-profit facilities. The state is also continuing incentives to home owners and businesses by providing property and other tax breaks to those who install solar panels. Some of those tax incentives are being doubled.

Meanwhile the Mayor of New York City has set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target for 2050 – to emit 80% less than GHG emissions in 2005. The plan includes conserving heating, cooling and power for the cities many business towers. The cuts amount to a 60% reduction in demand and a switch to renewable energy everywhere.

The announcements came in conjunction with and following the People’s Climate March on September 21st, a few days before the United Nations brought 125 states together to discuss reducing carbon globally.

Related articles across the web

• Is New York City the Only One Preparing for the Consequences of Climate Change?
• NYC schools to use more solar power
• Solar Energy Will Shine at City Schools, Mayor Says
• Global Solar Power Passes 100,000 Megawatt Milestone and Continues to Increase Rapidly
• New York State to support 214 MW of new solar PV