By a significant margin, California currently leads all states in solar installations, and its reign as the premiere state for photovoltaic (PV) and concentrated solar power (CSP) appears to be secure for the foreseeable future. However, one state that is going to try very hard to catch up in the next decade is New York.

On January 8, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo made a commitment in his State of the State address to add 3 gigawatts (GW) of solar generating capacity within the next 10 years. As SustainableBusiness.com notes, this is the same promise that former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger made in 2006 for the Golden State – a promise that was actually fulfilled (California currently has over 4 GW of capacity).

Cuomo said that the state would set aside $1 billion to help accelerate the transition to solar power by 2023. He also pointed to several programs that are designed to encourage more homeowners to consider switching. These include streamlined permitting processes and rebates that lower the cost of going solar.

New York, like California, has high electricity prices, which also makes PV power more enticing. In states where electricity prices are low, the savings that homeowners can get from having a rooftop panel installation are less dramatic.

As New York moves to become a major player in the solar industry, it will be interesting to see how they pull it off. Perhaps if they’re successful, California’s policy makers can emulate some of the same programs.

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits and advantages of solar power, call West Coast Solar today to schedule a solar site analysis.