As a result, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has had to cut back the amount of solar subsidy it grants from $3 per watt to $2.50. And, without a funding plan in place for 2010, solar installers are left high and dry, the Syracuse Post-Standard reports.
There's plenty of demand for solar power among homeowners, installers said to the paper - but with a backlog of subsidy requests, NYSERDA is overwhelmed and isn't communicating its goals well. Even in often-cloudy central New York, solar is guaranteed, claimed Justin Williams, owner of Central New York Solar. "I can guarantee the sun’s going to shine, you can produce energy and reduce your electric bill," he said.
Two proposals are being debated in Albany: the first would maintain solar subsidies at $24 million a year between 2010 and 2015; the second would grant $49 million a year from 2010 to 2015.
New Jersey recently announced an expansion of its solar power loan program, in response to significant public demand.
