Report: Strong solar policy would boost NY economy

June 12th, 2012 § 2

We know solar energy creates more jobs per megawatt than any other energy source. But what does that mean for a state like New York that’s considering a big new solar program? We sat down to crunch the numbers – and the short answer is: if Albany gets that solar legislation across the finish line before the session ends this month, they will help create thousands of local jobs all over the state.

Hundreds of solar companies already employing thousands of New Yorkers are eager to grow to meet increased solar demand throughout the state (check out the map below). But in order to become a real solar powerhouse, New York needs solar policy that is long-term, creates market certainty and sends a clear signal to the global solar industry that New York is open for business.

Along with our NY Solar Jobs coalition, we released a new report this morning showing that building on the Governor’s NY-SUN program and developing 2,200 megawatts (MW) of New York solar power would lead to $2 billion in economic activity and create an average of 1,700 new jobs per year. In 2022, the year we anticipate the most economic activity, 2,300 jobs would be created.

In recent weeks, the bi-partisan solar push has gained new momentum in the state, with a video featuring blockbuster actor Mark Ruffalo, a poll that showed that 81% of New York voters support bold solar policy action and with the Newsday and the Syracuse Post-Standard editorial boards joining the Journal News and Times-Union in support.

A bill has passed the Assembly Energy Committee and Senator George Maziarz, Chair of the Energy Committee, has expressed support for expanding the use of solar energy. Governor Cuomo recently launched the NY-Sun plan to double the amount of energy produced by solar panels by 2013 and quadruple it by 2014. Now’s the time to get it done. If you live in New York, help us get it across the finish line with an email of support!

“New Yorkers know a good deal when they see one. As this study shows, solar energy has serious economic and environmental benefits,” said Marcia Bystryn, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters, one of our partners in the coalition. “Now it’s time for the Legislature to help transition New York to an innovation economy. Let’s pass robust solar legislation as soon as possible.“

Specifically, our report found that the benefits would include:

  • $2 billion in direct, local economic activity from project development
  • An average of 1,700 individual jobs each year through 2022 (17,000 “job years”)
  • 2,300 individual jobs supported in 2022 – the peak construction year

Include the removal 28,000 tons of sulfer dioxide, 14,200 tons of nitrous oxide, and 51.6 tons of mercury for cleaner, healthier environment – and that all adds up to one great deal for NY.

Check out the full report here.

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