Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
- Lower utility costs: Sourcing some or all of your own energy will spend less on electricity long-term.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Huntington Homeowners?
New York agencies and electric companies offer several solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.
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 Huntington
The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately work. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
Additional components, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will add to your overall cost. These will increase your total project price, but they can improve your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers provide these additional features, so look for a contractor that has them if it's important 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. Solar companies can also pursue certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Financing Options
There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, cash payments, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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 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 don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. Ask each company you're considering about the payment plans it offers. A team member can help you determine the most suitable option for your budget.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Huntington
How much money could I save by going solar in Huntington?
Is solar energy common in Huntington?
Should I anticipate a boost in my property value after switching to solar energy?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Huntington?
What if I live in a dark or rainy
How can I evaluate my site's solar suitability?
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
If you choose a lease, you'll make fixed payments each month.
With both leases and PPAs, you do not own your panels and lose eligibility for some incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
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