New York's Time to Shine: Turning Weakness in State Solar Energy Policy into an Opportunity for National Leadership

Authors

Katherine L. Rogers, J.D., Cornell Law School, 2020

Keywords

Solar Energy, VDER, Value of Distributed Energy Resources, Net Metering, Energy Policy

Abstract

New York has shifted its policy for valuing the energy that solar panel owners place back onto the grid in an effort to promote solar development where the state needs it the most. Now, the state is at a crossroads because that change has stressed solar investments rather than incentivized them; should the state eliminate the legislation in favor of old policy or make changes to the current policy? This Note argues that New York should maintain the current policy but make small changes in order to ameliorate the weaknesses that are challenging the state's solar market. If New York eliminates the new policy, it could miss an opportunity to achieve balance between the need to increase renewables and to ensure long-term success of its utilities. New York should choose wisely because other states will look to New York as a cautionary tale or as a lesson for success.

Recommended Citation

Rogers, Katherine L. (2019) "New York's Time to Shine: Turning Weakness in State Solar Energy Policy into an Opportunity for National Leadership," Cornell Journal of Law and Public Policy: Vol. 29: Iss. 1, Article 6.
Available at: https://scholarship.law.cornell.edu/cjlpp/vol29/iss1/6