In recent years, the biggest beneficiary of such rounds has typically been the wind sector, with solar now largely supported through other programmes, such as NY-Sun.

The latest $250m funding round is aimed at getting New York past the renewable power target -- 30% by the end of 2015 -- which is mandated by its Renewable Portfolio Standard.

In 2013, 23% of the electricity used by New York consumers came from renewables.

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