In the last weeks of May 2023, New York achieved a significant milestone by generating a record-breaking 20% of its electricity from solar power.
The New York Independent System Operator, responsible for managing the state’s electrical grid, reported that a combination of residential and commercial solar installations produced a total of 3,330 megawatts of electricity between noon and 1 p.m. on May 18.
This amount of solar-generated power is sufficient to meet the electricity needs of approximately 2.7 million to 3.4 million homes.
The report also revealed that 3,200 megawatts were generated through behind-the-meter solar systems, which are produced and consumed on-site, while only 130 megawatts were contributed by front-of-the-meter solar systems, which feed power back into the grid.
Doreen Harris, president of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, emphasized the state’s thriving solar market, citing programs like NY-Sun that have been instrumental in driving substantial growth across New York.
Harris further stated that this achievement brings New York closer to fulfilling the targets outlined in the Climate Act, which mandates that 70% of the state’s energy should be derived from zero-emission sources by 2030, ultimately reaching 100% by 2040.
Residents in New York have access to attractive tax incentives through the NY-Sun program. By participating in this initiative, individuals can qualify for a credit equivalent to 25% of the total cost of their solar panel system, up to a maximum of $5,000.
In this year’s ranking of states’ solar markets conducted by the Solar Energy Industry Association, New York secured the 10th position.
The state boasts an impressive 4,259 megawatts of installed solar capacity, with solar panels powering approximately 711,327 homes across New York.
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