Relates to establishing a one hundred percent clean renewable energy system for electricity by two thousand thirty-four; provides such energy system shall include solar, wind, geothermal and tidal sources.
Directs the New York state energy resource and development authority, in collaboration with the New York state thruway authority, the department of transportation, and the New York power authority, to conduct a feasibility study on installing solar panels and other renewable energy systems along state highways and to submit a report relating thereto.
Enacts the "go green schools act" to assist school districts in converting to renewable energy sources as a primary source of energy; directs NYSERDA to conduct a study and make recommendations for such purpose.
Prohibits local governments from prohibiting the construction, installation, or operation of carport-mounted solar energy systems with a nameplate capacity of five megawatts or less, in any non-residential zoning district or mixed commercial and residential zoning district of any such city, town or village, provided however, if the zoning district is a certified agricultural district the agricultural impacts of the projects shall be minimized to the extent practicable.
Establishes the agrivoltaics viability pilot program to provide grants to identify the best practices and strategies for agrivoltaics and dual-use solar energy projects that protect soil health during construction and decommissioning of solar arrays, utilize sustainable agricultural production practices, monitor any benefits solar energy may have on farms and to the state, track economic viability, study the commercialization of dual-use solar energy projects, and encourage equitable engagement of stakeholders.
Requires the office of renewable energy siting to develop standards and conditions for the siting of certain large scale renewable energy systems; requires approval of municipalities to such siting plans.
This bill exempts homeowners from property tax increases on qualifying renewable energy systems installed within specific timeframes. It covers solar, wind, or farm waste systems installed before 1988 or between 1991-2030, plus newer systems like micro-hydro, fuel cells, or electric storage installed between 2018-2030. Systems must not exceed 20 kilowatts of generation capacity or 30 kilowatt-hours of storage capacity. The exemption applies only to systems meeting these criteria and installation dates. Homeowners with qualifying systems installed during these periods will avoid tax hikes tied to their renewable energy equipment.
