New York is embracing new ways to generate, distribute and consume electricity, which is translating into an expansion of clean energy and improved consumer choice and affordability. Thanks to these forward-looking and smart efforts — like community net metering and wholesale-distributed generation — solar energy is thriving in New York. The state ranks seventh in the nation for total installed solar electric capacity, but a looming federal policy decision in Congress could impact New York’s innovation, writes Mar Kelly, president of District Sun, a member company of the Finger Lakes Solar Co-Op in New York.