New York
Solar in the Empire State? You bet. See for yourself at this video blog from our partners at NNEC.
With growing electricity needs, strong public support for solar, and impressive in-state financial and manufacturing might, New York is well-positioned to be a leader in the new energy economy. But business-as-usual won't get us there. We're working to help to set aggressive goals and design smart programs tol unleash New York's solar potential.
Current State of Affairs
Today New York offers two primary channels of solar energy support:
1. A limited rebate program to help homes, businesses and other energy customers reduce the upfront cost of going solar. Once the system is installed, New York customers can also receive ongoing cost savings through a program called net metering - a billing arrangement that requires utilities to give them fair credit for excess electricity that they deliver to the grid.
2. A renewable portfolio standard that requires utilities to get 25% of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2013.
Vote Solar Goals
We are working with our coalition partners to build the world-class solar program that New York deserves. Our near-term goals include:
* A comprehensive plan for 2,000 megawatts of solar by 2020. That means supporting a diverse mix of residential, commercial and utility solar through well-designed policies that protect ratepayers.
* Predictable funding. The state's relatively limited rebate program scope and funds cause boom-and-bust cycles that prevent sustained solar market growth. It's time to commit to making solar part of the state's energy mix- and that means providing stable, transparent funding levels so the market has firm foundations on which to grow.
* Net metering improvements. With hard work from Vote Solar and our members, we helped expand New York's net metering program in 2008. The forces that be then interpreted those new rules in a way that restricted participation from most commercial systems - not good. We're working to make sure all solar customers get fair access to this fundamental consumer right.
Want to help? Sign up here.
Vote Solar lead for New York is Shaun Chapman.