Summary
This bill would make certain taxpayers that install a solar energy system for eligible for tax credits. The bill would also increase the size of the solar energy system eligible for the tax credit from ten kilowatts to 50 kilowatts.

Explanation
Solar energy can help New York meet its energy needs without producing a range of harmful pollutants associated with fossil-fuel generation, including the heat trapping pollution that causes global warming. Encouraging the installation of customer-sited renewable energy systems, as this bill would do, is an important component of meeting the state’s goal to increase the proportion of renewable electricity used by New York consumers to 25% by 2013. More widespread adoption of clean, renewable, customer-sited electricity generation also alleviates pressure on the electricity grid, avoiding the need to construct new power plants and potentially resulting in improved system reliability.

New York currently offers a personal income tax credit to homeowners who purchase and install small solar electric generating systems. While installing these systems can save consumers money on their utility bills, the initial cost of installing them is still a barrier. Tax benefits are an important tool for removing such barriers and residents of condominium associations and cooperative housing corporations should also be able to realize the same tax benefits as individual homeowners.

Environmental Advocates of New York supports this bill.