Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
- Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Brookhaven Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Website: nyserda.ny.govIncentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: tax.ny.govIncentive Amount:
25% for solar-electric (PV) and solar-thermal systems; for third-party owned systems this is in reference to the aggregate amount owed under the contract rather than the amount owed in any single year
Incentive Type: Corporate Tax Credit
Incentive Amount:
$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: ny-sun.ny.govIncentive Amount:
Residential Customers: $1,500 - $25,000
Small Business and Not-for-Profit Organizations:
Participation Loans: up to $100,000 (at low interest rate)
On-Bill Recovery loans: $50,000 at 2%
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Upon local authorization, 100% exemption from local sales tax
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Website: tax.ny.govIncentive Amount:
100% exemption from state sales tax
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: tax.ny.govIncentive Amount:
Upon local adoption, 20% - 100% of real property taxes owed; varies by year and certification level
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: tax.ny.govIncentive Amount:
100% of the value added to the residence by the improvements
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: tax.ny.govIncentive Amount:
100% exemption for 15 years (unless local jurisdiction has opted out)
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: ny-sun.ny.govIncentive Amount:
Incentive rates step down over time as MW goals are met. Incentive rates as of 11/27/2019 are:
Residential:
Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed)
Con Edison Region: $0.30/W
Upstate Region: $0.35/W
Low-to-Moderate income customers: $0.80/W (up to 10 kW)
Small Commercial (Non-Residential):Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed)
Con Edison Region: $0.60/W
Up State Region: $0.45/W
Multifamily Affordable Housing Adder: additional $0.40/W (up to 50 kW)
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: psegliny.comIncentive Amount:
Appliances
Advanced Power Strips: $10 - $20
Air Purifier: $25 - $50
Clothes Dryer: $50 - $250
Clothes Washer: $50
Dehumidifier: $30
Dishwasher: $50
Exhaust Fan: $20 - $25
Electric Freezer: $30
Heat Pump Water Heater: $650
Pool Pumps: $150 - $350
Refrigerator: $50
Refrigerator Recycling: $50
Lighting
Instant Rebates Vary by Product
Bulk Light Purchases: Up to $2 - $3/unit
Cooling & Heating
Central Air Conditioning: $450
Smart Thermostat: $85
Ground Source Heat Pump: $2,000/ton
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: nyserda.ny.govIncentive Amount:
Small Systems (≤ 10 cooling tons): $1,500/cooling ton
Large Systems (> 10 cooling tons): $1,200/cooling ton
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: nyserda.ny.govIncentive Type: Other Incentive
Website: greenbank.ny.govIncentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: tax.ny.govIncentive Amount:
$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Brookhaven
The price and efficiency of solar panels often hinge on the provider that mounted them. Here are some essential aspects to consider while shopping for a solar specialist.
Licensing and Training
The New York state government does not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your city or county government for its specific regulations and requirements. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Brookhaven
The style of solar panels you select dictates how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
Additional accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company offers these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.
Most Brookhaven homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $18,250 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,180 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $920 |
| Thin-Film | $538 |
| Solar Battery | $755 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,832 |
Financing Solar Energy in Brookhaven
Choosing the correct financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, leases, and loans. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Ask each business you're considering about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Brookhaven.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and specialized financing options that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.6 years |
| 2 kW | 5.1 years |
| 5 kW | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | 25.7 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Brookhaven
How much money could I save by going solar in Brookhaven?
How popular is solar energy in Brookhaven?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after going solar?
What if I live in a rainy or gloomy
How long is a Brookhaven solar panel's average lifespan?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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