New York SEIA Calls for Feed-in Tariffs

By Paul Gipe

 

New York State’s Solar Energy Industries Association has called on the state to introduce feed-in tariffs for solar photovoltaic systems. The recommendation by NYSEIA is the third by a state solar industry association within the past year. Previously, Florida SEIA and CalSEIA have also called for feed-in tariffs.

The testimony by the solar association was filed with the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) under the State’s Administrative Procedures Act (SAPA). The SAPA docket was on implementing the solar portion of the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard.

The trade group called on the PSC to transform the state’s current solar rebate program to a “performance-based system known as a feed-in tariff (FIT).” The feed-in tariff could solve many of the issues the SAPA hearing was called to discuss, said NYSEIA. Most importantly, the association continued, feed-in tariffs have been successful in Germany by allowing banks to collateralize the payment stream, ensuring access to capital.

Specifically, the association said that the feed-in tariffs should be implemented gradually rather than all at once. For example, consumers could be offered a choice between the two programs, allowing the market time to adjust.

There should be no project caps in the new program subject to the limits of the interconnection, testified NYSEIA.

NYSEIA also called on the PSC to set a minimum solar PV target of 2,000 MW and suggested that a target of 6,000 MW by 2020 could propel the state to the forefront of solar development not only in the United States but the world. The association argued that solar PV on just 0.5% of the land area could provide all the electricity consumed in the state.

The association said that the rapid, large-scale development of solar PV with feed-in tariffs would drive down the cost of utility service for all customer classes while making the state a leader in job creation.

Unlike NYSEIA’s emphasis only on solar, FlaSEIA and CalSEIA have both proposed full systems of Advanced Renewable Tariffs that specify feed-in tariffs for all forms of renewable energy. CalSEIA supported SB 1714 which called for feed-in tariffs for renewable projects less than 20 MW in size. It was ultimately withdrawn at the request of the sponsors just prior to final passage.

 

  • NYSEIA Comments_03E0188SA-18-19.pdf