January 21, 2020
With 2020 well underway, it’s time for a quick moment of reflection. 2019 was another wonderful year for the solar industry in New York and, indeed, renewable energy on a broader scale, both nationally and globally. We all know that there is still plenty of work to be done in order to reach solar power’s full potential, but for now let’s take some time to appreciate New York’s solar achievements in 2019. In a year full of highlights and milestones, these were some of the key developments in the New York solar industry.
Updated Interconnection Policies
Just before the end of the year, in December of 2019, the New York PSC (Public Service Commission) approved a number of updates relating to interconnection. These updates, due to be officially adopted in February of this year, include the following:
Process/timelines for submitting modifications to initial project application.
Streamlining of interconnection rules for energy storage systems.
New test to more accurately reflect voltage flicker concerns associated with solar projects.
Improved Compensation Methods
A number of changes relating to solar compensation methods and proceedings occurred throughout 2019, including, but not limited to, the following:
A PSC order in April of 2019 approved suggested improvements to the calculation methodology for the VDER value stack framework.
The same PSC order also allowed the continued use of Net Metering for onsite systems below 750kW through to 2020 and beyond.
In addition, the PSC extended net metering, in its current form, through December 31, 2020.
Community Solar Growth
Community solar, a rapidly-growing aspect of the New York solar industry, saw plenty of good news in 2019, thanks to the continued support of NYSEIA:
Utility consolidated billing for community solar, heavily supported by NYSEIA, was adopted as part of a PSC order in December of 2019.
Looking ahead to 2020, this order will lead to the implementation of utility consolidated billing for community solar projects around New York over the next year.
Updates to Legislation
2019 was a big year for legislation relating to renewable energy and climate change and, of course, the solar industry featured heavily in the legislation drawn up throughout the year.
New York’s much-publicized, and highly ambitious, Climate Legislation and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) was passed into law in June of 2019.
In a win for solar, thanks to the work of solar industry lobbyists like NYSEIA, the CLCPA contains no expansion of Prevailing Wage requirements, and also includes the goal of 6-GW distributed solar by 2025.
Long Island Solar
Long Island has long been a popular area for New York solar installations and 2019 continued in this fashion. Notably, 2019 was a positive year for the development of community solar throughout Long Island. On a personal note, YSG Solar was named one of the best Long Island residential solar installers just a few months ago.
2019 saw the launch of the first Interconnection Working Group for Long Island.
Long Island Power Authority announced a 20 MW community solar program for low and moderate income residents. The program is due to launch this coming year.
This is just a collection of some New York solar highlights from 2019. Of course, there was plenty more great work done all around the city and the state by all sorts of solar groups—from developers and lobby groups to installers and consumers.
2019 was a great year for solar and 2020 is looking bright as well. If you want to join the solar revolution, reach out to YSG Solar today—call us at 212.389.9215 or send us an email.
By Shane Croghan
Info courtesy of NYSEIA’s 2019 New York Solar Year in Review.
Sources:
https://mailchi.mp/nyseia/december2019memberupdate-3892049?e=056ba92b96