New York Surpasses 8 GW of Distributed Solar, Leads Nation in Community Solar

Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that New York State has installed 8 gigawatts (GW) of distributed solar, putting the state ahead of schedule for its goal of reaching 10 GW by 2030. The milestone has generated approximately $12.2 billion in private investment and supported more than 16,000 jobs statewide. The 8 GW of distributed solar, supported by community solar and the state’s NY-Sun Program, is enough to power more than 1.3 million homes and businesses across the state. More than 276,000 projects are currently operating, with another 2.7 GW in development.

New York holds 35% of the nation’s community solar capacity, making it the top community solar market in the country.

“New York continues to set the bar high as we mark another milestone for solar within our communities across the state,” said Governor Kathy Hochul, in a statement. “This is low-cost, reliable clean energy that is delivering cost savings for families and businesses while expanding the availability of renewable energy which benefits our environment, our economy and contributes to New York’s diverse energy resource mix.”

After achieving its original 6 GW target a year ahead of schedule in 2024, New York installed a record-breaking 1.28 GW of solar in 2025 alone. Last summer, solar generation helped save New Yorkers an estimated $90 million by lowering demand on the grid during peak periods.

On June 3, 2026, New York set a new solar generation record when solar supplied approximately 29% of statewide electricity demand during the noon hour.

New York’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget includes $200 million to further expand the state’s solar programs and continue improving energy affordability for all residents.

Read more here.

Office of Governor of NY | https://www.governor.ny.gov/