Governor Hochul announces New York has reached eight gigawatts of distributed solar energy as the state moves closer to its 2030 clean power goal

New York – New York has crossed another major threshold in its clean energy transition, with officials announcing that the state has now installed eight gigawatts of distributed solar power across communities statewide. The milestone marks steady progress toward New York’s long-term goal of reaching 10 GW by 2030, a target that now appears increasingly within reach as development continues at a fast pace.

Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the achievement as both an environmental and economic success story, pointing to the rapid expansion of solar infrastructure and the wide-ranging benefits it has delivered to residents, businesses, and local economies.

“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. “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.”

The scale of growth behind this milestone is significant. Distributed solar, which includes rooftop systems and community solar projects, has attracted approximately $12.2 billion in private investment across the state. At the same time, the sector has supported more than 16,000 jobs, reinforcing its role not only in energy production but also in workforce development and local economic growth.

Officials noted that New York now has more than 276,000 solar projects operating statewide, with an additional 2.7 GW currently under development. The expansion has been driven in large part by the state’s NY-Sun Program and a strong push toward community solar, which allows residents to benefit from solar energy even if they cannot install panels on their own homes.

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With eight gigawatts now installed, the state has enough distributed solar capacity to power more than 1.3 million homes and businesses. That includes households in disadvantaged communities, which are increasingly being included in the state’s clean energy transition through shared solar access programs.

Community solar has become a central piece of New York’s strategy, offering households and businesses a way to subscribe to solar projects located elsewhere and still receive financial benefits on their electricity bills. This model has helped expand participation beyond traditional rooftop installations and has accelerated adoption in urban areas, apartment buildings, and rental housing.

Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, emphasized the state’s leading position in the national solar market.

“New York is home to 35 percent of the nation’s community solar capacity– securing its position as the top community solar market in the country. Solar energy is one of the most reliable contributors to our state’s grid and by producing energy during peak load periods, it lowers energy costs for all New Yorkers, not just those participating in community solar.”

Energy officials also pointed to the growing importance of solar in maintaining grid stability. As electricity demand continues to rise during peak summer periods, distributed solar plays a key role in reducing strain on the power system and lowering overall energy costs.

Public Service Commission Chair and CEO Rory Christian said the benefits are already visible in real time.

“We are seeing the benefits of New York’s solar assets in real time. Solar is reducing the strain on our electric grid, while providing significant reliability benefits especially during periods of peak demand. The milestone we are celebrating today is a win for affordability and clean energy for all New Yorkers.”

Recent data shows just how impactful solar has become during high-demand periods. Last summer, solar generation helped save New Yorkers an estimated $90 million by reducing the need for expensive peak power generation. On June 3, 2026, the state reached a new milestone when solar supplied approximately 29 percent of electricity demand during the midday peak, demonstrating its growing contribution to the overall energy mix.

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The pace of development has also accelerated in recent years. After reaching its original six-gigawatt distributed solar target a full year ahead of schedule in 2024, New York continued its momentum by installing a record 1.28 GW in 2025 alone. That rapid expansion reflects both strong policy support and increasing private sector investment.

State programs have also focused on ensuring that solar benefits are shared more widely. Through the Statewide Solar For All Program, New York has worked to include renters, low-income households, and others who may not have direct access to rooftop solar installations. These efforts aim to ensure that clean energy savings are not limited to homeowners but reach a broader population across the state.

Financial support has also played a key role in maintaining growth. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, $200 million was secured in the state’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget to continue expanding solar programs and improving energy affordability for residents across New York.

Lawmakers and industry leaders have praised the milestone as evidence that the state’s clean energy policies are working as intended. State Senator Pete Harckham called the progress a strong sign of continued momentum toward a sustainable future, while Assemblymember Didi Barrett emphasized the combined benefits of lower energy costs, job creation, and reduced emissions. Assemblymember Deborah Glick also highlighted the success of solar programs in helping New Yorkers transition to cleaner and more affordable energy.

Industry representatives echoed that optimism. New York Solar Energy Industries Association Executive Director Noah Ginsburg said the achievement reflects the strength of the state’s solar workforce and policy framework, while Coalition for Community Solar Access Northeast Regional Director Kate Daniel pointed to the importance of distributed solar in maintaining grid reliability during periods of high demand.

As New York moves beyond the eight-gigawatt milestone, attention is now turning toward the remaining path to 10 GW and beyond. With thousands of projects already in operation and more in development, officials say the state’s clean energy transformation is no longer a distant goal but an ongoing shift already reshaping how electricity is produced, shared, and consumed across the state.