Con Edison customers in New York City have completed 9,700 solar energy projects, resulting in 101.2 megawatts of installed generating capacity.

The utility says that 10 years ago solar panels were rare in New York City. But Con Edison, Sustainable CUNY (at the City University of New York), government agencies, and other parties have encouraged residents and businesses to consider solar as a way to reduce their energy bills and protect the environment.

Con Edison says it tries to make the interconnection process as easy and quick as possible for customers who choose solar. The company does not require an engineering review for systems under 25 kilowatts.

The company installed solar panels on a roof at its headquarters building in Manhattan. The 200 panels can generate up to 40 kilowatts.

Con Edison has proposed placing solar panels on its rooftops and properties and making that power available to low-income customers, a group that now has limited access to solar.