Legislation

Bill would mandate solar panels on public buildings in New York City

March 21, 2024

A recently introduced bill in the New York City Council would mandate solar panel installations on the roofs of all city-owned buildings.

The legislation would require 100 MW of solar photovoltaic systems be installed on public buildings by the end of 2025. By 2030, the plan is for installation of 150 MW on city-owned buildings and other properties such as parking lots and industrial areas.

The bill calls for the city’s Department of Citywide Administrative Services to create a plan to meet the 2030 goal by the end of 2026. The legislation prohibits the use of power purchase agreements to meet the solar PV system targets.

Other bills in New York City would require development of energy storage systems on city-owned parking lots and the installation of solar canopies at city-owned lots.

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