New York as a Solar City

Last week the NY Times reported that NYC conducted a laser analysis of the city to create a useful geographical map.   The laser system used is known as Lidar, from light detection and ranging.  In April, over the course of nine 6-hour nighttime flights, a plane equipped with Lidar collected data on the city which would allow the rendering of a detailed 3D map.  This map will help identify wetlands and flat and pitched roofs, among other things, which would enable the city to determine which neighborhoods are more prone to flooding, which areas need more trees, and estimate the solar potential of different buildings.  [Above is a picture taken during one of the nighttime flights.]

The map has yet to be produced, but its benefits will be numerous.   While New York City receives plenty of sun light, it has unique conditions which limit its solar potential.  Tall buildings shade nearby roofs; roofs house equipment like heating and cooling systems as well as water and cell phone towers which reduce usable solar space; many ratepayers who rent are not able to take advantage of solar incentives which usually go to building owners; and historic building preservation codes can restrict or prevent construction of solar structures.  A detailed solar potential map will ease the identification of the best locations for solar.

NYC is taking action on other fronts to encourage its solar market.  New York is one of the Solar America Cities – a group of 25 cities in partnership with the Department of Energy committed to increasing the adoption of solar technology.  NYC has set the goal of installing 8.1 MW of photovoltaic energy by 2015.

The price of installation in the city remains high and the permitting process can be lengthy.  The solar map will be a good step forward in catalyzing solar in the city.  However, there needs to be continued focus on bringing down the costs of installation, streamlining the permitting process, and developing creative ways to finance solar projects which make them more accessible to everyone.

Check out the Solar Bill of Rights to learn more about practices and policies that will help to grow the solar market.