There are now 4 gigawatts of solar projects across New York from community, residential, small commercial and industrial-level efforts that will be enough to provide energy to more than 710,000 homes. 

The development, announced Wednesday by Gov. Kathy Hochul, is part of a broader plan to shift New York to more renewable and cleaner forms of energy, a years-long transition that is expected to change how cars, homes, heavy equipment and buildings are powered. 

Hochul touted the state's efforts to reduce carbon emissions as a way of curtailing the effects of climate change as the world takes stock of the warming planet this week. 

"We are laser-focused on the battle against climate change, and our nation-leading advancement of renewable energy is supercharging New York's economy while creating an equitable and healthier future for all New Yorkers," Hochul said. "This achievement is a testament to our successful partnership with communities and industry alike to get these projects built in every corner of the state and ensures more families and businesses will benefit from clean affordable solar power for years to come."

The cost of solar energy deployment has declined by 70% over the last several years while $6.4 billion in private-sector funding has poured into solar projects. The state is trying to reach a goal of 6 gigawatts of distributed solar power by 2025, and 10 gigawatts by 2030, Hochul said. 

Officials on Wednesday celebrated the installation of the single-largest solar array on a rooftop in Manhattan. 

"The deployment of more solar arrays throughout New York is critical for achieving the state's ambitious renewable energy goals," said Justin Driscoll, the interim CEO and president of the New York Power Authority. "The comprehensive rooftop solar system on the Javits Center will be a New York showpiece of an emissions-free, renewable energy source that helps to lower electric bills while helping us move forward in our transition away from fossil fuels."