Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the expensive cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity at home.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Brooklyn Homeowners?
New York homeowners who choose solar could qualify for reimbursements, special financing, rebates and tax credits. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.
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: 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: Rebate Program
Website: nyserda.ny.govIncentive Amount:
Tier I: 10,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $3.50/annual kWh
Tier II: 10,000 kWh - 125,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $1.00/annual kWh
Tier III: 125,000 kWh - 1,000,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $0.30/ annual kWh
Tier IV: Greater than 1,000,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $0.15/ annual kWh
These incentives are additive.
Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive
Website: nyserda.ny.govIncentive Amount:
- Capacity Incentive: Varies on the construction and design of the system
- Performance Incentive: $0.025/kWh production payment for new systems for up to 10 years (estimated using a capacity factor of 75%)
- Interconnection Incentive: up to 75% of the costs exceeding $5,000
- Project Enhancement Incentives: Available for Black Start Capability, Hydrogen Sulfide reduction, design for accepting food waste and others
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 Brooklyn
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Consider all of these aspects in your service provider search.
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.
Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall investment. These upgrades extend your system’s efficiency while adding more conveniences to your home. Not every solar company provides these extras, so look for a company that has them if it's a priority for you.
Licensing and Training
The New York state government does not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your county or city government for its specific regulations and requirements. Further check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Financing Options
Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. We advise working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each representative about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Brooklyn
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How widespread is solar energy in Brooklyn?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after going solar?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Brooklyn?
What if I live in a heavily-wooded or dark
What size should my new Brooklyn solar system be?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Should I get quotes from multiple Brooklyn solar companies?
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