Project

New York Solar Study

For the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), EDR Group (now EBP) conducted a study of the statewide economic impacts expected from increased deployment of photovoltaic (PV) energy generation in New York State. Using a statewide economic policy and forecasting model, this study calculated both gross and net impacts on future growth of in statewide employment and gross state product.

The analysis found that deployment of PV to a level of 5,000 MW creates approximately 2,300 direct jobs associated with PV installation over a 12 year period, and an average of approximately 240 direct jobs per year associated with Operations and Maintenance (O&M). The net impact was lower, as the gains would be reduced by a loss of approximately 600 jobs over the study period as a result of the reduced need to expand and upgrade the distribution grid, a reduced need for conventional power plants, and reductions in in-state biomass fuel production. A sensitivity analysis showed how price also matters. It found that a lower PV cost future would lead to additional economic growth while a higher PV cost future could lead to a reduction in GSP.