A 7.1 MW community solar farm has been completed in York, New York.
Standard Solar funded the construction and will own and operate the project, which was developed by SolarPark Energy. Catalyst Power will handle subscriber acquisition and customer service.
The project has already been fully subscribed, the companies said. Catalyst Power recruits multiple smaller commercial subscribers.
The project was dedicated to the late Thomas Guzek, who founded SolarPark Energy, and worked to bring the project to the York community.
Subscribe today to the all-new Factor This! podcast from Renewable Energy World. This podcast is designed specifically for the solar industry and is available wherever you get your podcasts.
Listen to the most recent episode on building out the U.S. solar supply chain, featuring interviews with Rhone Resch, Martin Pochtaruk, and Michael Parr.
Completion of the community solar project in York is yet another example of New York leading the way on community solar development.
In March, New York officials celebrated the milestone of 1 GW of community solar capacity installed, more than any other state.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) said at the time that community solar development has accelerated the state's goal of generating 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Hochul wants to reach 10 GW of solar over the same period.
New York State leaders celebrated the milestone of 1 GW of community solar installed, the most of any state in the U.S. (Photo courtesy: NYSERDA) New York is also home to the first community solar program in the U.S. to automatically enroll residents.
The community choice solar program has been made available to more than 3,800 households and small businesses in Brockport and Lima as part of Joule Community Power's Finger Lakes Community Choice program. All eligible residents are automatically enrolled without having to take additional steps.
Community solar now generates enough electricity to power 209,000 homes in the state.
Community solar accounted for 70% of New York's overall solar additions in 2021, the governor's office said. The state has a community solar pipeline of 708 projects totaling 2,300 MW.
Established in 2011, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's $1.8 billion NY-Sun program aims to scale solar while driving down costs. The program has directed over $200 million to low-to-moderate-income households as part of its Solar Energy Equity Framework.
Last year, the Biden administration set a goal of powering 5 million American homes with community solar projects by 2025-- an ambition that would require 700% growth of current capacity.
