Solar power in New York increased more than 1,000 percent from December 2011 to December 2017, Gov. Cuomo says

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Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Monday that solar power in New York has grown more than 1,000 percent between December 2011 and December 2017.

The state saw more than $2.8 billion in private investment in clean energy, Cuomo said.

“Solar is a vital part of this state’s clean energy future and we have experienced unprecedented growth in this new sector,” Cuomo said. “We will continue to support the development of solar, helping to spur economic growth, creating new jobs and helping to build a cleaner, greener and more sustainable New York for all.”

In 2016, Cuomo issued a mandate for half of all electricity consumed in the state to come from renewable energy sources by 2030. In his 2018 State of the State, Cuomo emphasized expanding access to solar energy to more low-income customers. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority through the $1 billion NY-Sun program, the New York Power Authority, and Long Island Power Authority support solar development in the state.

Through the end of December 2017, 78,323 solar projects comprising 972.2 megawatts (MW) were installed in New York, compared to 8,989 projects and 83 megawatts through the end of 2011.

“A 1000 percent growth in solar shows how viable and affordable clean energy technologies have become in the State for consumers and public and private entities,” Richard L. Kauffman, chair of Energy and Finance for New York, said. “Under Governor Cuomo and our nation-leading clean energy initiatives, New York is leading the way in combating climate change bringing in substantial investment from the private sector which has fueled impressive solar growth over the past six years.”