New York Policy
New York Community Solar & Agrivoltaics Policy
Quick Facts — New York Clean Energy Policy
Here's what you need to know.
Distributed Solar Target
New York is targeting 10 gigawatts (GW) of distributed solar by 2030.
The state prioritizes low- and moderate-income (LMI) households and disadvantaged communities.
Continued state policy support is essential in a post-Investment Tax Credit (ITC) environment.
Sun and Soil Program
Announced by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2026.
Expands farmer access to agrivoltaics — solar co-located with active farmland.
Requires farmland to remain in active agricultural production for at least 25 years.
Supports New York energy independence while delivering financial benefits to farmers.
Lightstar's Role
Actively developing community solar and agrivoltaics projects across the state.
Evaluating projects for alignment with the Sun and Soil Program.
Monitoring regulatory and legislative changes to stay ahead of the policy curve.
New York is one of the most ambitious states in the country on clean energy. From a 10 GW distributed solar target to a first-of-its-kind agrivoltaics program, the state is building a framework that works for communities, farmers, and the grid. This page explains New York's key clean energy policies and how Lightstar develops projects that align with them.
New York has set a target to install 10 gigawatts (GW) of distributed solar by 2030. This is more than a capacity goal — it is a commitment to making clean energy accessible to the people and communities that need it most.
The state's clean energy strategy places a clear emphasis on low- and moderate-income (LMI) households and disadvantaged communities, ensuring the benefits of solar are not concentrated in wealthier areas.
Sustaining this progress in a post-ITC environment will be critical. As federal incentives shift, continued state-level policy support becomes the backbone of New York's ability to meet its climate and clean energy goals.
In 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the Sun and Soil Program, a landmark initiative designed to bring agrivoltaics to New York's farming communities.
Agrivoltaics is the co-location of solar energy production and active agricultural use. It gives farmers a way to generate clean energy revenue without giving up their land. The Sun and Soil Program formalizes state support for this model, making it more accessible to more farmers across New York.
What the Sun and Soil Program delivers:
Expanded access to agrivoltaics for New York farmers
Meaningful financial support that supplements farm income
A requirement that farmland remain in active agricultural production for at least 25 years
A direct contribution to New York's energy independence
This program is a significant step forward for both the agricultural and clean energy sectors in the state.
The Sun and Soil Program — Agrivoltaics for New York Farmers
New York has some of the most productive farmland in the Northeast - and protecting it matters. Agrivoltaics offers a solution that doesn't force a choice between farming and clean energy.
By keeping land in agricultural production while generating solar power, agrivoltaics helps New York:
Preserve working farmland for future generations
Reduce reliance on imported energy and strengthen grid resilience
Support rural economies with additional revenue streams for farmers
Meet climate targets without converting farmland to other uses
The Sun and Soil Program gives this model formal state backing — and Lightstar is actively developing projects that align with it.
New York's Path to 10 GW of Distributed Solar
Why Agrivoltaics Matters for New York
Lightstar monitors New York's evolving clean energy and agricultural policy landscape to ensure our projects are developed responsibly and competitively.
Our New York development strategy includes:
Agrivoltaics development: Building projects that integrate solar with active farming under programs like Sun and Soil
LMI community focus: Prioritizing community solar projects that serve low- and moderate-income subscribers
Policy alignment: Tracking state legislation, regulatory proceedings, and program eligibility as they evolve
Long-term land stewardship: Structuring projects to keep farmland productive for the life of the agreement
Frequently Asked Questions
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New York aims to install 10 GW of distributed solar by 2030, with a focus on low- and moderate-income households and disadvantaged communities.
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Announced by Governor Hochul in 2026, the Sun and Soil Program expands access to agrivoltaics for New York farmers — allowing them to produce solar energy while keeping their land in active agricultural use for at least 25 years.
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Agrivoltaics (AgPV) is the practice of combining solar energy production with active farming on the same land. It gives farmers a new revenue stream without requiring them to stop agricultural production.
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Lightstar develops community solar and agrivoltaics projects in New York, supporting the state's 10 GW solar target while delivering local jobs, tax revenue, and affordable clean energy to the communities we serve.
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The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) has historically subsidized solar development. As those incentives evolve or phase down, state-level programs and policies become increasingly important for sustaining clean energy growth.
Lightstar's Approach to New York Policy
New York's clean energy landscape is changing quickly. Lightstar stays current so our projects stay competitive and our communities stay served.
Want to learn more about our New York projects or explore a development opportunity? We'd love to connect. Contact Lightstar →
Lightstar is a clean energy developer specializing in community solar and agrivoltaics across the United States. Our New York portfolio is designed to support the state's clean energy goals while delivering real benefits to farmers, communities, and the environment.
Stay Informed on New York Clean Energy Policy
Program Resources
For more on how we make it all happen, see Doing Solar Business in New York.
