Recent history has shown that pro-renewable energy policies simply don’t happen in the absence of a clear, vocal, and above all, organized display of support from citizens. But reaching a critical mass in favorable public opinion doesn’t happen in a vacuum either: it requires comprehensive, coordinated efforts to increase the public’s understanding of the benefits and potential of, and barriers to, alternative energy development. This case certainly holds in the case of New York City and solar energy development. A number of conditions set NYC apart as a strong candidate for increased solar photovoltaic (‘PV’) development in the next decade. However, existing state commitments are not designed to adequately realize the area’s potential.

Join Solar One’s own Chris Neidl for a survey of the main arguments that build the case for PV in NYC, and an overview of the organization’s new grassroots effort to push for the kind of proactive State policies that will be required to realize the city’s solar potential.