Home
On September 26, 2025, New York State launched its 2025 Solicitation to expand renewable energy with the 2025 Land-Based Renewable Energy Solicitation, also called the Tier 1 RFP. This program is focused on contracting new, shovel-ready projects involving wind, solar, and other renewable systems across New York. The goal is to add more clean power to the grid and help New York hit its energy targets.
The program is targeting about 5.6 million Tier 1 Renewable Energy Certificates, which come from projects that have a clear path to start generating electricity commercially. This is part of New York’s wider effort to hit its clean-energy goals, strengthen the grid, and take advantage of federal tax credits before they expire.
Businesses and developers submit bids to build these projects, and if selected, they receive long-term contracts to sell electricity and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to the state.
Project Steps
The process has two main steps: eligibility and proposals. Project developers need to submit an eligibility application by October, and the final bid proposals are due in December. Projects that are selected will get long-term contracts for RECs, some of them lasting up to 20 years. Projects are evaluated on more than just price, too. They need to show they are ready to connect to the grid, have permits in order, and have engaged with the local community.
Why This Matters Right Now
New York is under pressure to add more clean energy capacity. Right now, the state has a pipeline of more than 9.7 gigawatts of large-scale solar, wind, and hydro projects that are either operating or in development, enough to power over 3 million homes. At the same time, federal tax credits that support renewable energy are time-sensitive, and the solicitation is designed to make sure new projects can take advantage of them.
Economic Development
There’s also a big economic impact. NYSERDA expects this to unlock over $5 billion in investment and create thousands of jobs in the clean-energy sector. On top of that, the program is paying attention to where projects are built. It encourages responsible siting on agricultural lands, considers disadvantaged communities, and makes sure local stakeholders have a say.
What the 2025 NYSERDA Solicitation Means for Businesses
For businesses, this is worth paying attention to. Large-scale projects like this can affect the whole market, including supply chains, pricing, and grid infrastructure. Signing long-term contracts for big projects may increase competition for panels, inverters, storage equipment, and skilled labor. That could impact lead times or costs for mid-sized commercial solar or solar-plus-storage projects. At the same time, more activity can bring scale and maturity to the market, which usually makes it easier to find experienced installers and reliable service.
Grid Impact
The solicitation also strengthens the grid. A higher volume of clean energy projects can improve capacity and reliability. For businesses installing solar or storage, this can mean smoother interconnection, more stability, and even the possibility of exporting energy or participating in demand-response programs. It also signals that the grid is evolving. If a company invests in solar now, it’s joining a more developed ecosystem instead of acting alone.
Reputation
There’s a reputational side too. The state’s commitment to clean energy is clear. Putting solar in place now can do more than cut energy costs. It shows customers, investors, and partners that your company is actively participating in New York’s clean-energy shift. The program’s focus on community benefits and fair labor practices means that businesses can make a real, visible difference, not just on the bottom line, but in the neighborhoods and workers it affects.
Timing
Timing is another consideration. As these large projects move forward, labor and interconnection slots may tighten. Acting now can help avoid delays and higher costs later. Even though the solicitation is aimed at utility-scale projects, the momentum it creates makes it smart for businesses to start planning their solar projects today.
Does it Affect Homeowners and Commercial Sites?
The 2025 NYSERDA solicitation is primarily for large land-based projects, so most residential solar panel rooftops won’t really be affected. That said, there are still ways the program could help homeowners and smaller businesses. More clean energy capacity can help stabilize rates or reduce upward pressure on utility bills.
Government and utility attention on big renewables often leads to programs that benefit smaller customers too, like community solar or storage incentives. For owners of warehouses, large roofs, or multi-family properties, the solicitation is a signal that the state is serious about clean energy. It could be a good time to evaluate options for solar or solar-plus-storage before costs rise or slots fill up.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 NYSERDA Solicitation is more than just a set of contracts for large-scale projects. It signals that New York is serious about accelerating its clean-energy goals and that momentum is building across the state. For businesses and property owners, it’s a cue to take a closer look at solar, solar-plus-storage and other renewable options.
As these projects move forward, the market will shift. Installer networks will expand, supply chains will strengthen, and the grid will continue to evolve. Acting now can make a difference in timing, cost, and overall project success. Even smaller businesses and homeowners can feel the effects through better service, new programs, and an increasingly robust renewable energy ecosystem.
The key takeaway is this: clean energy in New York is moving fast. Being aware of opportunities, planning ahead, and evaluating your options now means you’re ready to take advantage of all the solar opportunities that New York is offering and will continue to offer in the future through various programs and incentives.