Deployment Framework Announced for $200 Million to Expand Affordable Solar

Sustainable Future Program Funding Through NY-Sun Will Deliver Energy Bill Savings to Low- and Moderate-Income Households

October 14, 2026

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced the framework for the deployment of $200 million through the State's Sustainable Future Program to expand access to affordable solar energy in communities across New York. The funding, which was announced by Governor Hochul as part of the New York State Fiscal Year 2027 Enacted Budget, is expected to support more than 565 megawatts (MW) of new solar, enough to power over 90,000 homes, and deliver energy bill savings for low-and moderate-income households. The program also includes incentives that encourage siting on rooftops, parking canopies, and other developed sites making the most of New York’s existing built environment.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “With Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment, NY-Sun continues to be a national model for growing distributed solar in a way that is affordable and reliable for all New Yorkers. This funding delivers bill relief to the households that need it most and helps businesses lower their energy costs with rooftop projects that also strengthen the grid – providing power during peak load.”

The $200 million will be administered by NYSERDA through the proven incentive framework of the NY-Sun Program. Funding will begin to be deployed in the coming weeks with incentives paid when projects are completed. To inform the program design, NYSERDA conducted extensive outreach with solar developers, installers and other market participants and analyzed project economics and deployment trends. Both the large and midsize solar programs include new and expanded incentive adders for projects on carports, brownfields, landfills, floating systems and agrivoltaics that pair solar with active farming and prioritize co-use with agriculture, as well as steering development toward the built environment.

The funding includes:

• Large Commercial and Community Solar:
  • Approximately $116 million to support roughly 450 MW of commercial and community solar projects larger than one megawatt – enough to power over 73,000 homes and businesses.
  • This includes expanded incentives for Statewide Solar for All, which delivers bill savings directly to low-and moderate-income households, and a new incentive adder for rooftop projects.

• Midsize Rooftop Solar:
  • Approximately $31 million to support roughly 75 MW of midsize commercial, governmental, and multifamily projects – enough to power over 12,000 homes and businesses.
    • These projects, largely on rooftops, generate power right where it is used, which eases strain on the local electric grid.
    • The funding also continues the NY-Sun Multifamily Affordable Housing Incentive, which helps owners of affordable housing reduce energy costs for residents.
    • Approximately $20 million to support roughly 40 megawatts – enough to power 6,500 homes – of onsite solar for low- and moderate-income homeowners, focusing resources on households facing the greatest economic strain and the most urgent need for lower utility bills.

• Residential Solar for Low- and Moderate-Income Households:
  • Approximately $20 million to support roughly 40 megawatts – enough to power 6,500 homes – of onsite solar for low- and moderate-income homeowners, focusing resources on households facing the greatest economic strain and the most urgent need for lower utility bills.

• Flexible Market Funding:
  • Approximately $33 million will be allotted to the sectors where demand is strongest and support is needed most, an approach NY-Sun has used successfully for the past five years.

For more information about the NY-Sun application process please visit NYSERDA’s website.

New York State Public Service Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said, “Bringing more solar energy to New Yorkers through the Sustainable Future Program, will result in energy bill savings for consumers and improve energy reliability, under Governor Hochul’s leadership. While there are many ways that solar can fit the energy needs of businesses and households across the State, these incentives will support strategic development to maximize benefits to the consumer and electric grid.”

Senator Kevin Parker, Chair, Senate Energy Committee said, “Clean energy must mean lower energy bills and real savings for New York families. This $200 million investment expands access to affordable solar, strengthens our energy grid, and helps ensure that low- and moderate-income households share the benefits of our clean energy future. We must continue building an energy system that is reliable, sustainable, and affordable for every ratepayer.”

Assemblymember Didi Barrett, Chair, Assembly Energy Committee said, “I was proud to pass the ASAP Act in this year’s state budget, and secure $200 million for the NY-Sun Program to help build on the progress we’ve made in expanding distributed solar. The diverse incentives in today’s announcement - from agrivoltaics to parking canopies - will lower utility bills and create good-paying clean energy jobs, while helping us reach our climate goals. I thank Governor Hochul and NYSERDA for their efforts to get this funding out the door!”

Senator Pete Harckham said, “As New Yorkers continue to face high energy costs and rising fossil fuel prices, expanding access to affordable, renewable solar power is more important than ever. The NY-Sun Program has been instrumental in advancing New York’s clean energy goals, and this $200 million investment is exactly the kind of smart, forward-looking investment we need. I’m proud to have fought to secure this funding in the state budget, and I thank my legislative colleagues for their support and Governor Kathy Hochul and NYSERDA for their continued support for clean, affordable energy.”

Assemblymember Deborah Glick said, “New York has had tremendous success in making solar energy more affordable and accessible, which helps the environment while expanding jobs and lowering costs. I appreciate Governor Hochul and NYSERDA President and CEO Harris utilizing funds from the Sustainable Future Program to expand New York’s successful solar programs to more homes, businesses, and communities, diminishing our reliance on volatile energy sources and putting us closer to achieving a reliable, zero-emission grid.”

Solar Energy Industries Association CEO Tim Pawlenty said, “New York’s investment in the NY-Sun Program demonstrates how states can advance smart, affordable clean energy solutions like rooftop and community solar to lower electricity costs, keep the lights on, and create good-paying jobs. It’s a win for consumers, communities, and the state’s economy.”

New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) Executive Director Noah Ginsburg said, “Rooftop and community solar are powerful tools to lower New Yorkers' energy bills while meeting rising electricity demand quickly and cost-effectively. By investing in the NY-Sun Program, New York's leaders are expanding access to local solar, delivering targeted relief to residents and businesses. NYSEIA applauds Governor Hochul and the New York Legislature for accelerating distributed energy deployment across the state. New York's local solar companies and our 18,588-strong skilled workforce are ready to build.”

New York’s signature NY-Sun Program provides incentives to make solar more affordable and accessible to homes, businesses and communities while lowering their energy costs and providing improved efficiency and reliability to New York’s electric grid. NY-Sun has helped bring more distributed solar, including community solar projects online which are powering more than 1.3 million homes and businesses across the state. The distributed solar market has generated approximately $12.3 billion in private investment across New York and provided more than 16,000 jobs statewide.

NYSERDA

Since 1975, NYSERDA has been working to advance New York’s energy system and economy. As a public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has served as an objective source for information and technical expertise to drive innovation and investment. NYSERDA professionals have worked to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov .