NYSERDA Announces Completion of State’s First NY-Sun Community Shared Solar Project

More than three dozen residents come together and participate in new clean, affordable solar power project in Southern Tier Region   Complements Governor’ Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision Strategy to Lead on Climate Change and Grow New York’s Economy

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced the completion of New York State’s first Shared Solar Project, which enables multiple residents to purchase solar panels in an off-site solar array and receive credit for the power the array produces on their individual monthly electric bills The completion of this shared solar projects helps New York achieve its goal for a 40 percent reduction from 1990 levels in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and meet the state’s mandate for 50 percent of electricity come from renewable energy by 2030. The announcement was made at a ribbon-cutting event at the Renovus Solar array in the Southern Tier earlier today. Solar energy is a key component of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) strategy to build a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers and to the Clean Energy Standard mandate that 50 percent of electricity used in the State come from renewable energy by 2030. The project was designed, constructed and self-financed by Renovus Solar, an Ithaca, New York-owned and operated solar developer. Three dozen residents in Tompkins, Steuben and Schuyler counties have purchased more than 1,100 solar panels in this project. The 359.1 kilowatt ground-mounted solar array is located in Trumansburg. The energy produced by the array is equivalent to the electricity needed to power approximately 60 average-sized homes. The project will reduce greenhouse gases by 220 metric tons annually, equivalent to taking approximately 50 cars off the road. The Renovus Solar community shared solar project received funding through Governor Cuomo’s NY-Sun initiative, which is building a self-sustaining solar industry in New York and helping achieve strategic energy goals under REV and the Clean Energy Standard. NYSERDA administers NY-Sun. The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) announced the state’s Shared Renewables initiative last July, with the goal of providing opportunities for renters, homeowners, low-income residents, schools and businesses to join together to set up shared renewable energy projects resulting in healthier and stronger communities. Shared Solar is part of this initiative. From 2012 -2015, New York has seen an increase of 575 percent in the amount of solar power installed and in development, which has also generated a significant increase in the number of solar-related jobs across the State. According to a national report announced earlier this year, New York’s solar industry is now the fourth largest in the nation and currently employs more than 8,250 workers, an increase of more than 3,000 jobs since 2013. In 2016, double-digit job growth is expected to continue with another 1,000 additional jobs created as a result of the state’s robust solar project pipeline. About NY-Sun NY-Sun is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s $1 billion initiative to advance the scale-up of solar and move New York State closer to having a sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry. The growth of solar in the State has increased more than 300 percent from 2011 to 2014, twice the rate of U.S. solar growth overall. NY-Sun web site. About Reforming the Energy Vision Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) is Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s strategy to lead on climate change and grow New York’s economy. REV is building a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers by stimulating investment in clean technologies like solar, wind, and energy efficiency, in part through the recent adoption of New York’s Clean Energy Standard which requires that 50% of the state’s electricity needs be generated from renewable energy sources by 2030. Already, REV has driven 600% growth in the statewide solar market, enabled over 105,000 low-income households to permanently cut their energy bills with energy efficiency, and created thousands of jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and other clean tech sectors. REV is ensuring New York State reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030 and achieves the internationally-recognized target of reducing emissions 80% by 2050. To learn more about REV, including the Governor’s $5.3 billion investment in clean energy technology and innovation, please visit  www.ny.gov/REV4NY About NYSERDA NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and support to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York State since 1975.  To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs, visit nyserda.ny.gov

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