Category Archives: New York Solar

As the world strives towards finding new sources of energy, solar power has emerged as the most viable and preferable alternate source of renewable energy. With its unlimited abundance and availability, It provides several benefits to users, especially with residential power systems based on solar: reduced utility bills, reduced carbon footprints and self-sufficiency in energy generation for essential usage.

Amongst many benefits, going for solar panels in Brooklyn installation or wherever you live, provides another advantage to people – Increased home value.

Higher Value of Residential Property

This is one fact that real estate experts agree with: installing a solar power system at your home enhances its value, the degree of which varies depending on the property size and the place where you live. This is one aspect which has attracted home owners across the country as well as the world to install solar panels, that not only provide them with self-sufficient power generation, saves them money, but also increase their property’s value. They have also realized that adding a solar system does more to improve their home value, rather than going for a bedroom addition or remodeling of some part.

Faster Sales

When you have a solar system installed at your residential property, you will be able to sell your home at a much faster rate, and at a higher price. According to the Department of Energy, homes with solar power systems sell in 50% less time as compared to homes which are not solar-equipped. Buyers are looking for a home that can give them as much amenities and luxuries as possible, and therefore they are willing to pay more for a residential property that has consistent, clean energy source.

So, apart from reducing your utility bills, getting incentives and tax rebates, and becoming energy self-sufficient, having a solar panel installation in NYC provides you with an enhanced home value, benefits of which you can reap in the future.

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While people focus on installing solar power systems for their residential properties, these systems are equally beneficial for commercial buildings as well.

Having a solar power system at your commercial property provides several benefits and has the capacity to save you even more money than with residential solar power systems. We discuss why you should opt for a commercial solar system, below:

Rebates and Incentives

Capital expenditure on any new installation is a big concern for any organization. But solar power system installation comes along with benefits of several government rebates and incentives, depending on the particular state’s policies.

Reduction in Tax Liability

With solar system installation, you will see increase in property value. And with several states having or in the process of having a policy to exempt solar system value from property taxes, your tax liability gets reduced.

Reduced Operation Costs

When you move on to solar power for electricity, your dependency on utility is reduced. This, in the long-term, brings a higher reduction in operation costs, which is specifically significant for small businesses. These savings can be attributed towards other opportunities, resulting in greater return on investing in solar power.

Low Maintenance

After installation, you start reaping benefits of the solar power, rather than focusing heavily on the solar system maintenance. Apart from occasional cleaning of panels with water, and trimming of shady tree branches, there is nothing that can be called a significant maintenance program.

Solar Lease
If you are not able to process large upfront cash payment for solar installation, then you can easily lease solar power systems for 15 to 20 years. This period will not give you any benefits in terms of rebates or incentives, but you will still gain with reduced utility bills and cheaper, eco-friendly power resource.

Improved Brand Value
When you install a solar system at your commercial property, you clearly denote that you care about the environment, a signal that lets customers believe that you are responsible and trustworthy. This, in turn, enhances your brand value.

So, with all these benefits and with a view on utilizing eco-friendly power resources for a better future, there is no denying the fact that moving to commercial solar panel installation is a beneficial decision for your business.

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Solar Energy is by far the most abundant and beneficial renewable source of energy, and this is why moving to solar energy source has become a favorable option for homeowners as well as businesses. It not only helps to save money, but also improve the environment, along with adding value to the property.

If you are looking to install solar panels for home, then apart from costing and installation process aspects, there is one other thing that you should pay full attention to – Is your roof ready for solar installation? Below detailed points will help you analyze if your roof is right for the solar power installation:

Roof Space

The first and foremost condition for roof based solar installation is that it should have large, uninterrupted space. This allows for organized and suitable installation of panels in rows.

Roof Type

There are some types of roof, which are much better for solar panels and are more common, like Asphalt shingle. Flat roofs are also ideal for solar installation. However, if you have the enough space for solar installation, then any roof is suitable for solar panel installation. Some roof types may require additional costs and more delicate process, and for that, your solar installers can ideally provide you with the best possible evaluation.

Roof Age

Installing home solar power system on an old and weary roof is a certain no-no. It can not only pose a chance of damage to the roof during installation, but when you will go through re-roofing, you will also incur additional expenses to remove and re-install the solar panels. Do go through a thorough analysis and examine the life of your roof. If it is not going to be replaced for another 10-15 years, then it is ideal for solar panel installation.

Roof Direction

To produce more energy, your panels need to receive maximum sunlight all day long. This is why you need to examine which direction is your roof facing, and does it get maximum exposure to the sun.

For better and thorough evaluation, it is better to consult your installation provider for solar panels for home to conduct a thorough assessment. This will help in making the best decision for maximizing the output from your home solar power system.

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Apart from being a renewable source of energy that reduces your carbon footprint, solar energy is also beneficial for saving expenses.

And when we talk about saving money, it is not just about reducing your utility bills, but there are other cost-saving benefits that come along with residential solar installation. We take a look at 4 ways you can save money when going solar:

Reduce Utility Bill

The most apparent way in which you save money is reducing your dependency on utility, that eventually lowers your bill. With solar installation, you are able to produce your own energy. The amount variation depends on how much power you are generating, the size of the system, your utility rates, and other factors. And in some cases, like with large solar power systems, you are able to produce enough electricity to completely offset your bills.

Earn Credits Through Net Metering

Every US State has authorized a net metering program for solar system owners. Net Metering is a billing mechanism that credits the people who add electricity to the grid through their solar power systems. For example, your solar system is generating more energy than you consume, then you can sell that excess power to the grid. This way you receive solar credits, which can be cashed out as payment after a certain amount of time, or rolled over to next month’s utility bill, depending on the particular state’s policy.

Earn Rebates and Incentives

To encourage people to go solar, the federal government provides 30% federal rebate for your system and installation costs, available with the tax return. Along with this, you will also receive New York solar incentives, or specific incentives according to your state. When going for solar installation, do ask your service provider, and check with the local authorities about the incentives and rebates.

Reduced Solar Panel Costs

Comparing with the last few years and decades, solar panel costs are at the historically lowest levels now. The present-day solar systems are also technologically advanced and more efficient. So, get your solar panel installation, and save loads of money.

So, opting for a residential solar installation will not only help you contribute towards moving to greener resources, but also save you a good amount of money.

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When you decide to opt for solar power, the most obvious installation choice which comes to you is rooftop. But, you should know that rooftop is not the only option they have, they can also opt for ground-mount installation also.

But, which one is better as a home solar power system for you? To answer this question, we explore both of these types’ factors.

Rooftop Solar Panel Installation

Installing a rooftop solar system is economical, as the roof eliminates the need for any additional mounting structure. There are some other factors which make rooftop solar installation your viable option:

• Your roof receives ideal sunlight for effective functioning of the solar panels and has adequate space, with no obstruction from nearby buildings, trees and so
• You want to optimize the roof space, as there will be no need to clear any extra land on the front or back yard
• You want a streamlined panel fitting with your existing rooftop structure
• You are looking for a faster and easier installation process
• The panels will act as a protective shield to your roof, against weather conditions, wear and tear

Ground-Mount Solar Panel Installation

Ground-mounted solar installations are less common than rooftop. The factors which make ground-mount system more viable option for your home:

• Your roof is not ideal for installing the solar panels, due to not having enough roof space, or sunlight obstructions such as nearby trees or building
• The roof shape doesn’t accommodate solar panels
• The roof material is such hat it is difficult to work with solar installation
• Your house has a large unused land area, that you want to utilize by installing a large solar PV system
• You want to install the panels in a south-facing direction, which is not possible with your roof
• You want to be able to adjust the solar panels seasonally to maximize its power generation potential

Considering these important factors, you need to decide which is ideal and suitable installation option for your solar panels for home.

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When it comes to solar power for residential use, there are several types of systems that one can choose from. While these are based on different factors like grid connection, material type, battery, and placement; there are basically three main types of solar power systems.

Off-Grid Solar PV Systems

An off-grid system is one which is separated from the customary electric power grid. The solar energy generation is completely independent. Therefore, it becomes essential to have a battery system and careful planning to balance the excess generation and to meet energy demands. Installing off-grid systems usually require an additional source of energy, like hydroelectric generators to meet the power demands when there is prolonged cloudiness.

As these are off-grid systems, there is no effect of power outages and emergencies. These types of systems are most common in remote areas, where power through the utility may cost more.

Grid-Tied Solar Power Systems

Grid-tied solar power systems are opposite to the off-grid systems, as these are connected to the electrical utility grid and to the home. This enables the homeowners to get power from either the grid or the power system, and switching between them is also smooth.

Grid-tied systems allow to balance the power requirements. An excess power generation from the system than the demand is transferred to the utility, which is known as net metering. And when there is under-production, the energy can be drawn from the electrical utility grid.

Grid-Tied Solar Power Systems with Battery

This one is similar to the above mentioned, with an addition of battery backup to the system. The battery allows the homeowner to store the power during excess generation, without any need to sell it to the grid. The solar power battery storage helps to protect against the power outages, as stored energy can be used during blackout or emergencies.

These are the three primary types of solar power systems for residential use. Each system has its own characteristics, suited for particular user needs. So, whether it is an off-grid solar pv system, or a grid-tied one, select one which befits your requirement, along with efficiency and economic factor.

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After you have installed solar panels, the first thing that comes to your mind is to how to get maximum performance from the solar panels.

As, most probably, you are new to this, our following advice will help you to get the most out of your commercial or residential solar power systems.

1. Keep the solar panels clean

The first and foremost thing is to keep your solar panels always clean. While solar panels are built to run, without you ever being needed to touch them, the glass and the panels do get dirty. So, routinely implement a cleaning process. How you clean them? This answer can be well answered by your home or commercial solar panel installation service provider.

2. Keep the panels out of the shades

After you have installed the panels, make sure that they get most of the sunlight during the day, and are out of the shades. If there are trees nearby blocking the sunlight to the panel, better you trim them.

3. Use your appliances wisely

Some days, especially in the summers the solar power generation can be in excess. Though, the excess power generated is exported to the grid, optimizing its use can help the household to take full advantage of the surplus energy. Arranging for the use of appliances during the daytime will help in maximizing the use of the solar energy. Run high-wattage appliances during the sunny days, like washing machines, pool heaters, vacuum cleaners and so.

4. Update the appliances

Solar energy will fulfill most of your energy needs, but still you will have to depend on traditional electricity service when the weather is not good, and outside of daylight hours. For that time, using current-standard energy efficient appliances will help a lot in cutting down electricity bill costs.

5. Monitor the solar panel performance

Just like many people keep a tab on their electricity supply consumption, keeping a record of how much energy is produced by the solar panel is vital. This way you will know how much energy is consumed by the appliances, and can schedule their usage and change your routines accordingly to maximize the solar power usage.

The idea is to make the home or the commercial building as much self-consuming as possible, to gain economically. You must consult the professional at first regarding your power usage,so that you can maximize the size of the commercial or residential solar power systems depending on your energy consumption.

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Frequently Asked Questions FAQ Problems Concept

A few decades back, solar powered homes were a rarity. But with growing concern over climatic changes, along with increased support from government and local authorities, solar panels have become a commonplace across residential units. They reduce carbon footprint, and helps to save energy costs over a longer period of time.

But with all this positive resonance, anyone would feel a little jumbled about how to get solar panel installation in NYC, or anywhere. Let us help you out with this brief and introductory guidance.

What are solar panels?

They are photovoltaic (PV) cells, that transforms heat from the sun’s rays into energy, which is then converted into electricity through an inverter.

How the solar panels are installed?

The ideal place to install solar panels for home is the roof. You need specific panel placement along with additional wiring. While most of us are unaware of the solar installation process, it is best left in the hands of pros to handle all the installing.

How to find a quality solar installation service provider?

• Look for a service provider who supplies specific home based solar panels, and are experienced in the industry.
• Your solar panel and the inverter must come with substantial warranty, as these are a long-term investment, and you would want to get durable efficiency.
• Contact a service provider who provides installation themselves, as it would make them more accountable, and you will get cost-effective service too.
• Also note, that you need to take requisite permit from the concerned authority for solar panel installation. This you can consult with your service provider.

What is the cost and duration of solar panel installation?

One thing that you need to be aware of is that solar installation is not so much cheap, yet not so expensive like a few years back. So, look for the quality first, and make sure to go through price comparison as well. Solar installation usually takes a few days, depending on the frequency of the service and installation process.

Are there any tax benefits tax benefits?

Depending on which state you live, you are entitled to avail certain percentage tax credits. Some states also provide residents with the property tax exemption if they are installing solar panels for home.

Apart from considering all the above stated facts, be aware that to get maximum efficiency with your solar panel installation in NYC,or any other city, your roof should receive direct sunlight during the day. You also need to ensure that trees, chimney or tall buildings are not blocking the sunlight.

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