New York is falling further behind nearby states in terms of solar energy and the jobs it brings, according to a new report.

New York slipped from seventh to eighth, based on the state's overall installed solar capacity.Last year, New York installed only 60 megawatts of solar energy capacity while New Jersey installed 313 megawatts and Pennsylvania installed 88, said the study, which was issued by GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Unlike neighboring states, New York does not currently have a binding, long-term megawatt goal for solar energy, thus compelling the market to pursue opportunities elsewhere. It is unlikely that the solar industry will invest on a large scale in the state until New York adopts such a policy, the report concluded.

Governor Cuomo announced his plan for the initial years of a more robust program in his recent State of the State address. In his address, Gov. Cuomo specifically vowed to double in-state solar power generation by year end, and to quadruple it by 2013. The governor's budget proposal also calls for tax credits for the installation of solar systems.

These initiatives are a good start, but state lawmakers can go a step further. NYLCV is playing a key role in a broad coalition of organizations to push for a long-term and robust solar program. Our goal is to position New York as a clean-energy leader, improve air quality and generate significant economic activity.