Building on several past programs, New York state has come up with another $107 million in grants for large solar PV installations and has also increased funding for small solar projects.
Both programs fall under NY-Sun Initiative, with a goal of doubling customer-installed solar projects annually in the state. The initiative combines and expands programs running by several agencies including the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
The latest incarnation of the program, NY-Sun Competitive PV, supports proposals for solar systems at least 50 kilowatts (kW) in capacity. It will make $36.4 million available in 2012, followed by another $70.5 million in 2013. Qualifying projects require co-funding, and is capped at $3 million per project.
The program also expands the territories eligible for solar project funding to include upstate New York. The first phase covered New York City, Westchester County and the lower Hudson Valley.
New York is also boosting funding levels for smaller solar installations to $3.5 million a month from the previous $2 million. The funds apply to systems up to 7 kW for residential sites and 50 kW for non-residential sites.
Over the past several years, New York has set aside millions for renewable energy projects including solar, wind, hydroelectric and biomass. Governor Cuomo expects these projects to contribute $2.1 billion in economic benefits over the next 20 years.
"The NY-Sun program has helped establish New York State as a leader in solar power, and these investments in photovoltaic systems will allow businesses and municipalities to put in place green, cost-effective electric generating installations," says Cuomo. "In addition, these investments will further drive job growth in the state’s clean power industry, and create economic development in communities across New York. I encourage all businesses and municipalities eligible for these grants to apply."
For more information on the funding program:
Loading...