Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery lets you have dependable energy during storms and grid outages.
- Reduced energy costs: Generating some or all of your own power will spend less on electricity long-term.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to North Hempstead Homeowners?
New York homeowners who choose solar could qualify for reimbursements, special financing, rebates and tax credits. Here are just a few of the region's 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: 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: 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 North Hempstead
The price and efficacy of solar panels often depend on which company mounted them. Consider all of these criteria in your company 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 start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.
Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall cost. By selecting the right ones, you can make your panel array more efficient and user-friendly. Not all solar companies include these extras, so look for a contractor that has them if it's crucial for you.
Licensing and Training
New York state does not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your city or county government for its specific regulations and requirements. Solar providers can also obtain certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.
Financing Options
Choosing the right financing option will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements, and leases. We suggest making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you'll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You'll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don't want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you'll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement 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 specific circumstances. Ask each company you're considering about the payment options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.
Expert Tips By
This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.
North Hempstead Solar FAQ
How much money could I save by going solar in North Hempstead?
On average, North Hempstead homeowners pay around $935 per year on power bills. Once you repay your solar array, you could reduce your costs by $1,214.43 for every kilowatt you produce.
Is solar energy readily available in North Hempstead?
Yes, solar energy is readily available in North Hempstead. About 1,415 homes in the local area are already using solar power, and New York has about 10,740 jobs forming its solar economy.
Should I expect a boost in my property value after adopting solar power?
Yes, new solar systems translate to higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could increase your home's value by $12,000.
What if I live in a rainy or heavily-wooded
Even if your property has high tree cover, you could still benefit from solar energy. Your contractor will optimize your system's performance by choosing the proper site for panels, positioning them to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, cleaning them regularly, and installing a battery backup system. This way, you can keep solar energy longer and utilize it as necessary.
What can I do to calculate my home's solar potential?
To determine your home's solar readiness, nothing substitutes for a comprehensive quote from a local solar contractor. However, you can use the PVWatts tool for a simple solar viability estimate based on public data, including panel efficiency, tree cover, system size, and local weather and topography.
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
To preserve your solar system's efficiency, inspections and cleanings every six months are usually enough. In dusty or dry seasons, your panels might need cleanings every few months. Your provider can recommend a maintenance schedule. Its team could also tackle the cleaning for you.
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
While many online reviews are positive, even the rated solar providers might have complaints. You should know these early red flags for the best odds of an exemplary job:
- Pressuring you into signing a contract
- Being evasive about the crew's credentials and training, references, warranties and cost
- Inflexible options
- Superficial, rushed site evaluation
- No business filing with your local secretary of state
How are a solar lease and PPA different?
After you sign a PPA, your solar provider will not charge to install or maintain your new panel array. Instead, you'll pay them only for the electricity you generate. Typically, PPAs last for 10-25 years or until you "buy out" of the contract.
If you choose a lease, you'll make set monthly payments.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for most incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.
