Solar energy in New York received a major push as a $950 million contract was announced for the construction of the state’s largest solar farm. As per PV Magazine, the project has officially broken ground. Greenbacker Renewable Energy secured the contract to build the 500-megawatt facility in Genesee County. Construction is underway, with the solar farm expected to be operational by 2026.
The initiative is one of 23 large-scale renewable projects approved by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul in December 2024, aimed at delivering 2.3 gigawatts of clean energy. The state has set a goal to source 70% of its electricity from renewable energy by the year 2030.
Solar power, recognized as the fastest-growing renewable energy source in the United States, is seen as essential to achieving that target. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projected a 38% increase in national solar capacity from 2023 to 2024.
With the development of this new solar farm, New York is expected to climb from eighth to fifth in the national rankings for solar energy within the next five years. Although New York consistently ranks among the top solar states, it still trails behind leaders like California, Texas, and Florida. Nevada remains the per-capita solar leader.
Rooftop solar installations are rapidly gaining traction across the U.S., with appeal across political lines. The combination of environmental advantages and long-term cost savings makes solar energy attractive to a broad spectrum of homeowners.
While high initial costs remain a concern for many, both state and federal incentives are available to alleviate financial burdens. Platforms like EnergySage provide valuable resources for homeowners looking to make the switch.
Together, expansive infrastructure projects like Greenbacker’s and smaller residential upgrades are contributing significantly to the clean energy landscape in the U.S.
Charles Wheeler, CEO of Greenbacker, stated, “We’re proud to be both the owner of the largest solar energy project in the state’s history and a driving force in accelerating its ambitious clean energy goals.”
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on publicly available sources and announcements at the time of writing. Project timelines, costs, and energy targets are subject to change based on regulatory, environmental, and operational factors. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.
