WASHINGTON, DC - In a move toward clarifying the tax code, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced that clarification of sales tax treatment for solar energy will be included in his budget proposal being sent to the state legislature. After reviewing the proposal, Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), issued the following statement:

“We applaud Governor Cuomo for his continued steps towards making New York a solar-friendly state to live and do business.  Governor Cuomo’s proactive and forward-thinking proposal clears up an ambiguity in the tax code, providing certainty for solar businesses.

“New York has seen a solar boom in the past few years, largely due to Governor Cuomo’s smart leadership on energy issues. Today’s clarification further encourages the development of a state-based solar industry that will have long-term positive fiscal implications. In addition, we applaud the governor’s continued commitment to addressing community net metering. With his leadership, we see a sunny future for solar in New York.”

The 338 MW of solar energy currently installed in New York ranks the state 9th in the country in installed solar capacity. There is enough solar energy installed in the state to power 57,000 homes. In 2013, $343 million was invested in New York to install solar for home, business and utility use. This represents a 12 percent increase over the previous year and is expected to grow again when all the numbers are in for 2014.

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About SEIA:

Celebrating its 41st anniversary in 2015, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. As the voice of the industry, SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to champion the use of clean, affordable solar in America by expanding markets, removing market barriers, strengthening the industry and educating the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

Media Contacts:

Ken Johnson, SEIA Vice President of Communications, [email protected] (202) 556-2885 
Samantha Page, SEIA Press Officer and Communications Manager, [email protected] (202) 556-2886