Installing solar panels in your home has many benefits. The State of New York has committed to making solar energy more accessible to residents. It provides incentives, financing, education and training, as well as community solar projects. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone to get a return on their investment while simultaneously reducing their carbon footprint.
Costs
New York has a new program that will lower the cost for solar panels. NY-Sun provides rebates of $300 to $500 per unit for residential installations. The state average solar installation costs between $13,642 - $18,458. You can save thousands on your solar installation costs in New York by taking advantage of a 30% federal investment credit.
Before you can calculate how much money you'll save by installing solar panels, first figure out how much energy you use. Depending on your location, a 6.5-kW solar panel system can generate between 650 to 700 kilowatt-hours of electricity a month. Calculate how much money you can save by not paying your energy bills each year.
Installation
The state of New York is one of the nation's leading solar markets, largely due to the high cost of utilities and favorable incentives for installing solar panels. New York also enjoys an ideal solar energy climate. There are few shadows that could affect the panels' ability produce power. New York City's high-rise buildings are not obstructive to sunlight making solar panels a great option for New York City residences.
Solar technology offers many benefits. They reduce demand on the city’s electricity grid and help to reduce reliance on foreign fuels. Depending on the design, solar panels can provide both electrical and thermal energy, which can be used to heat water or power appliances. Professional engineering is required to install solar electric or hot-water systems. These engineers need to ensure that the structural system of the building is capable of supporting the added weight. A building permit is required to connect solar energy systems.
South-facing roofs
Solar panels are becoming a popular choice for homeowners. Generally, a south-facing roof is the best location for solar panels. These panels are most efficient on roofs with a slope between 15 and 40°. Also, the roof should be in good condition.
The biggest advantage of solar panels that face south is their ability to capture the most sunlight throughout the day. By contrast, a west-facing roof will receive less energy, particularly in the late afternoon. This is good news for both you and your local utility, as electricity is more expensive at night when there is less demand. Most solar customers like sticking it to the local utility.
Community solar
Alternatives to traditional green energy are available through community solar programs. Participants in these programs can buy a share of a solar farm or roof installation, instead of purchasing individual panels. The solar panels then offset the customer's electricity usage. This could reduce customer's utility bills. A good example of cooperative social enterprises is the community solar program.
Community solar members get substantial financial benefits, including a 10 percent discount on their utility bill. They also contribute to the advancement of solar energy in New York City by ensuring that all electricity they use comes from renewable sources. The downside to this arrangement, however, is that some members may be disappointed to discover that their community solar electricity is being diverted by their utility to meet its Clean Energy Standard mandate.