New York has installed 8 gigawatts of distributed solar energy, putting the state ahead of schedule toward its goal of reaching 10 gigawatts by 2030, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced July 2.
State officials said the growth has generated about $12.2 billion in private investment and supported more than 16,000 jobs statewide.
Distributed solar includes rooftop and community solar projects. The state said the 8 gigawatts now installed are enough to power more than 1.3 million homes and businesses, including customers in disadvantaged communities.
More than 276,000 solar projects are operating across New York, with another 2.7 gigawatts in development, according to the announcement.
State officials said community solar expands access by allowing households and businesses to benefit from solar power without installing panels on their own property. New York is home to 35% of the nation's community solar capacity, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.
The state said solar generation helped save New Yorkers an estimated $90 million last summer by lowering demand on the electric grid during peak use. On June 3, 2026, solar supplied about 29% of statewide electricity demand during the noon hour, setting a new state solar generation record.
New York met its original 6-gigawatt distributed solar target a year ahead of schedule in 2024. The state then installed a record 1.28 gigawatts of solar in 2025.
The announcement also pointed to the Statewide Solar For All Program, which allows renters, low-income residents and others who cannot install panels to participate in and benefit from solar energy.
The state's fiscal year 2027 budget included $200 million intended to expand solar programs and improve energy affordability.
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