Over the last five years, the New York State community solar market has become one of the most vibrant and important in the industry. NPM data currently tracks 185 operational community solar projects in the state with over 1,000 pre-operational projects in the interconnection queue.

There are now 40 states with at least one community solar project online, with approximately 2,600 cumulative MW installed through 3Q 2020. At least 19 states and D.C. have implemented policies and programs around shared renewables, with the next five years expected to see the U.S. community solar market add up to 3.4 GW--enough to power roughly 650,000 homes.

Before the deal with Pine Gate, Consumers’ Energy had only 10 MW of solar in its portfolio. The company also added an additional 150 MW of wind capacity to its holdings with the addition of Gratiot Farms Wind Project.

Since its inception, much debate has been held about the merits of the solar ITC and how long it will be necessary to drive the market forward.