New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Tuesday that he has awarded $54 million under his NY-Sun Initiative for 79 large-scale solar energy projects across the state. According to the governor's office, the new projects will total 64 MW.
‘With these major investments through the NY-Sun Initiative, New York State is leading the nation in solar energy generation, addressing climate change and growing our clean energy economy,’ says Cuomo.
The announcement includes awards made to 20 recipients to finance projects at 79 large-scale solar energy sites in 26 counties in New York. Installations will be located at businesses, factories, municipal buildings, colleges and other larger commercial and industrial companies and institutions. The governor's office says some projects taking full advantage of this construction season may be online by the end of this year, but most are expected to be completed in the first half of next year.
As a result of the NY-Sun Initiative, more PV systems are now being deployed in the state than in the prior decade. The governor's office adds that the $54 million from the state, awarded through a competitive program, leverages $120 million in private investment, resulting in roughly $174 million in infrastructure projects.
The program, which provides incentives for PV systems larger than 50 kW, is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Funding per project is capped at $3 million, and all projects require co-funding to best leverage state resources.
