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Solar Energy & the NY Power Grid

VIDEO: webinar with Prof. Richard Perez, Feb 16, 2026

✅ Guest Speaker: Professor Richard Perez, Atmospheric Sciences Research Center, University at Albany

☀️ The big energy picture — is 100% renewables achievable?  (The Case for Solar & Batteries – Part 1)
☀️ A spotlight on New York State; Implications for land use (Where to Deploy – Part 2)

Third Act Advocates for New York for Climate Policy is a joint initiative of Third Act Upstate NY and NYC. Join in every other Monday via Zoom to take action on current solar legislation, policies and issues.

Note: Feel free to watch the videos in either order. Part 1 is a somewhat technical but compelling case for building out solar power + battery storage.  Part 2 presents an abundance of options for land use in siting solar projects in New York State.

Part 1: The Case for Solar + Battery Storage (25 min)

Summary:

  • solar power is a vast resource, inexpensive, scaling fast, capable of delivering 24/7/365 availability – if designed right
  • achieving solar at scale will require proper market rules from FERC and the Public Service Commission (PUC)

Part 2: Land Use for Solar – Modeling Where to Deploy in New York State (11 min)

Summary:

  • solar can scale on the land through a variety of attainable siting/land use options
  • making this a reality will take good communication, information, and education
  • making this a reality will take new market regulations – regulators hold the keys

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