It sounds like New York is on top of its game when it comes to solar energy - recently, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that solar panels will be slated on the roofs of 24 New York City schools, and Governor Andrew Cuomo announced new NY-Sun awards for large solar electric projects. Both moves constitute long-term investments in the state's clean energy economy, and are also serving to make New York a national leader in renewable energy.

 The cost for both investments is high, but should more than pay off in the long run. De Blasio's move forked over $28 million, but is expected to triple the amount of solar installations on city-owned buildings. Furthermore, the installations will result in a reduction of more than 2,800 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions a year. According to the Wall Street Journal, this is the equivalent of taking roughly 600 cars off of the road annually.

Cuomo's plan constitutes a commitment of $1 billion to NY-Sun, the state's initiative for increasing solar energy. Think Progress reports that this includes a $94 million investment by New York State, along with private investments that total $375 million. However, the large solar projects that will be produced as a result are expected to increase the solar capacity in New York State by 68%, or more than 214 megawatts.

It is now more apparent than ever that solar energy will play a large part in New York's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy. Last week, de Blasio pledged an 80% citywide reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions from 2005 levels by 2050. He stated, "We need conservation, we need renewable energy, we need to cut emissions in every conceivable manner...It's a matter of survival. Solar is a crucial piece of this puzzle. It provides long-term carbon-free electricity. It increases resiliency as well."

Cuomo echoed de Blasio's promotion of solar, stating, "Today we are making another long-term investment in our clean energy economy - with nearly $100 million in funding that will dramatically increase our capacity to generate and utilize solar energy across the state, New York is quickly becoming a national leader in renewable energy by building a competitive solar industry, and today's award recipients are an example of how that progress continues to grow. As we recognize Climate Week, this is a significant step forward in our goal of creating a better place for New Yorkers to live and work, and I look forward to seeing these projects contribute to a cleaner environment."