RESIDENTIAL SOLAR SYSTEMS

Going green and swapping your old conventional energy grid (PSEGLI) for a solar panel system is a responsible decision. We understand that, as by now we’ve already helped thousands of Americans like yourself to go solar and invest in today’s smart technology and start saving money, helping the environment, and getting away from your Utility Monopoly. Don’t let the competition fool you; Solar is not a cookie-cutter approach. It requires smart engineering to provide a solution that works best for you.

Some of the challenges our knowledgeable staff work to solve are where to site your system, how big or small it should be, what the financial investment deal looks like, and whether you are a good candidate for solar. Only one out of four homes is good for solar installations in the first place. Our friendly and efficient Sun Advisors will help you determine whether solar is a right fit for you during a preliminary evaluation. Trees and roof age are some of the qualifying aspects and should you need financing, our team can help find a product that is right for your credit. Solar installations can be complicated, so our team of Sun Advisors is trained to make sure that you get the education you need in a digestible format.

Residential Incentives in New York (2023 Update)

New York State offers some of the most generous solar incentives in the country, making solar energy a very attractive investment. Here are some of the major incentives and programs available to New York residents:

The Megawatt Block Incentive Structure

New York’s Megawatt Block Incentive is a direct incentive for solar energy available under New York’s ambitious NY-Sun Initiative. The program provides an up-front dollars-per-watt ($/W) rebate for both commercial and residential solar panel systems. The size of your subsidy depends on the size of your system, the current Megawatt block, and your region. As of January 2022, the incentive values range from $0.20/W (ConEdison) to $0.50/W (Upstate)​.

Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) Initiative

The ultimate goal of the REV Initiative is to reinvent New York State’s energy systems with a focus on ‘distributed energy’ technologies like rooftop solar panels and energy storage. Although it does not directly subsidize rooftop solar power, its ultimate aim is to level the playing field for distributed energy versus centralized power plants (like coal, gas, and nuclear) through market reforms​.

New York State Solar Equipment Tax Credit

The New York solar tax credit can reduce your state tax payments by up to $5,000 or 25% off your total solar energy expenses (whichever is lower). The great advantages of the Solar Equipment Tax Credit are twofold: first, you don’t have to purchase your system to claim the credit (it applies to you even if you went solar with a lease or PPA), and second, if your tax liability isn’t large enough to claim the entire credit in the first year, you can roll it over into the next year​.

The NY-Sun Initiative

NY-Sun is an umbrella program for a number of solar industry support mechanisms in New York State, including (but not limited to) the Megawatt Block Incentive Structure. NY-Sun, in conjunction with NYPA, also provides the backbone for the state’s Community Solar and K-Solar programs.​

New York Net Metering

Net metering is a policy that ensures you get paid a fair price for the solar electricity that you send into the grid. Any credits for excess solar power that you accrue are stored in a “credit bank” and can be used in future months (usually winter) if your solar energy system produces less electricity​.

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) / Residential Clean Energy Credit

In addition to the state-level incentives, New York residents can also take advantage of the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which is also known as the Residential Clean Energy Credit for residential systems. The ITC allows you to reduce the cost of your photovoltaic (PV) solar energy system by 30 percent. It is important to note that the ITC applies only to those who buy their PV system outright (either with a cash purchase or a solar loan) and that you must have enough income for the tax credit to be meaningful (unless you’re a tax-exempt entity, in which case you might be eligible for a direct payment).

Modern Technology and Solar Panel Types

Types of Solar Panels

There are three main types of solar panels available for residential solar installation:

  • Monocrystalline Silicon Panels: Monocrystalline panels use crystalline silicon, a basic semiconductor material. These panels are typically 18-21% efficient, meaning that for every unit of solar energy that hits the cell, the panel can convert 18-21% of this energy into electricity. These panels are usually more expensive.
  • Polycrystalline Silicon Panels: Polycrystalline, or multicrystalline, photovoltaics use a series of cells in place of the single large cell used in monocrystalline panels. They are usually slightly less efficient and therefore less expensive than Monocrystalline panels.
  • Amorphous Silicon or Thin Film Panels: Thin-film panels are the lowest efficiency of any current photovoltaic technology at 5-6%. The primary advantage of thin-film panels lies in flexibility and work best where usage is low and space is high.

Types of Inverters

Inverters are used to convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used by household appliances and the grid. There are several types of inverters:

  • Off-Grid Inverter: This type of inverter is used for systems that are not connected to the grid. It converts DC power from batteries, wind generators, or petroleum generators into AC power for use in the home.
  • Grid-Tied Inverter: This inverter is the most common for PV systems. It takes the power that your solar panels produce and puts it back into the Utility Company’s lines. With the proper meter, this effectively allows you to net meter. A Grid-Tied Inverter constantly communicates with the Utility Grid and will automatically shut off the system in the case of a Power Outage.
  • Central Inverter: A central inverter uses multiple strings in series to tie together all of the power produced from the system and converts it in a single wall pack. Systems like these are best used in full sun conditions (no shade) as a small bit of shade will drastically reduce the production of the system.
  • Micro Inverter: A micro-inverter system uses a mini inverter attached to each panel and converts the DC to AC right at the panel source. This allows for a panel to still produce power, even if it is partially shaded, without reducing the efficiency of the rest of the panels.
  • Hybrid Inverter: This system combines a central inverter with mini optimizers attached to each panel. Typically, this system is the most cost-effective and the most efficient.

Making the Switch to Solar

Choosing to install a solar energy system is a significant decision, and it’s essential to work with a reputable solar provider to ensure that the system meets your specific needs. Element Energy Systems (E2SYS) is a leading service provider in New York, offering customized solar solutions for residential properties. Our knowledgeable staff and Sun Advisors are here to guide you through the process, helping you make informed decisions based on your unique circumstances.

The preliminary evaluation conducted by our Sun Advisors will help determine whether your home is a good candidate for a solar installation. Factors such as the orientation of your roof, the presence of shading elements (e.g., trees), and the age of your roof are all taken into consideration. Additionally, our team will work with you to find financing options that fit your budget and credit profile.

E2SYS is committed to providing our clients with modern technology and high-quality solar panels that are integrated seamlessly into your property. Whether your home requires a rooftop installation, ground mount, or trellis mount system, our team of experts will design and engineer a solar PV system that ensures optimal cost efficiency and energy production.

Our goal is to help you achieve energy independence, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the financial savings that come with generating your own clean energy. By taking advantage of the incentives and tax credits available in New York, as well as the federal ITC, the switch to solar can be a financially rewarding and environmentally responsible choice.

E2SYS is dedicated to making solar simple and accessible for all New Yorkers. Our team will handle all the necessary paperwork, permits, and inspections, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free installation process. We believe that education is key, and our Sun Advisors are trained to provide you with the information you need in a digestible format.

Join the thousands of Americans who have made the switch to solar and start experiencing the benefits of clean, renewable energy. Contact E2SYS today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a greener, more sustainable future.

THE PROCESS OF GOING SOLAR

Process of Going Solar in 7 Steps
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Why Choose E2SYS for Your Residential Solar Project

When it comes to selecting a solar provider for your residential solar installation project, Element Energy Systems (E2SYS) stands out as the ideal choice. Here are six key reasons why homeowners trust E2SYS with their solar energy needs:

Together, these six points highlight why E2SYS is the top choice for homeowners seeking a reliable and customer-focused solar provider for their residential solar projects.

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