Solar 101 for Homeowners

Solar lowers your electric bill.

By reducing the electricity you get from the grid, solar lowers your bill. How much you save depends on the electric rates in your area and your electricity usage. There may also be significant federal, State, and local tax credits for installing solar at your home.

Solar is healthier and better for the environment.

Solar is one of the cleanest forms of renewable energy. By switching to solar, you reduce your carbon footprint and help New York fight climate change. Solar also reduces the presence of harmful air pollutants that may cause health problems. Ultimately, by going solar, you are contributing to a cleaner and healthier community.

Earn credits for producing your own clean energy.

With solar, your home can go from being an energy consumer to being an energy producer. Electric utilities will provide a kWh credit on your bill for the excess electricity your home produces using solar panels. You’ll only pay for electricity if you use more than what your solar panels generate during that month. Any excess electricity you produce that month becomes a credit on your next electricity bill.

How Does Solar Energy Work?

Solar panels convert the infinite energy from the sun into electricity—even on cloudy days. Unlike power generated by fossil fuels, solar energy does not create noise or water and air pollution. Solar panels are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity throughout the day. Since most homes in the United States run on alternating current (AC) electricity, the DC electricity generated by solar panels is then converted into AC electricity through inverters, which you can use to power your home. Any extra energy you produce will be contributed back to the grid and credited on your next energy bill.

How do the PV cells work?

PV cells allow light particles, which are called photons, to knock electrons free from atoms. This process generates electricity, a form of power you can use just about anywhere. Will my house still be connected to the grid?

When you go solar, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid if you ever need more electricity than your solar panels produce. Staying connected to the grid is also what allows you to be compensated for providing power to the grid when you are producing more electricity than you need.

While most New Yorkers choose a grid-connected system, it is possible to go off the grid with solar if your house has energy storage capabilities. However, off-grid systems are not eligible for NY-Sun incentives and energy storage presents additional costs. Learn more at NYSERDA’s energy storage page.

Where is solar being installed in New York?

Visit this interactive map to see how many systems have been installed near you. You can also find local community solar projects.

Where can I learn more about solar terms and technologies?

If you are interested in learning more about how solar works, we encourage you to visit: U.S. DOE Solar Energy Website .

Is my property a good candidate for on-site solar?

Solar panels work best when installed on a sunny south-facing roof or another area on your property with little to no shade and enough space. Get in touch with a qualified contractor for a detailed assessment of your home. If your property isn’t a good candidate for on-site solar, community solar may be right for you.

Where would the solar PV panels go on my house?

Solar panels can be mounted on either the roof of your home or to the ground, wherever conditions are best on your property.

How many panels will I need for my home?

It depends on your home’s energy needs. Your solar contractor will work with you to assess those needs. A good starting place is to gather a year’s worth of your electric bills. Your solar contractor will use that information and assess your home or building’s sun exposure, the size and slope of your roof, available roof space, and other factors to recommend how big your system will need to be. Your contractor can also tell you if a ground-mounted system may be a better fit for your home than a rooftop system.

How do I maintain my solar panels, and how long will they last?

You can expect your solar panels to generate electricity reliably for approximately 20 to 25 years. Before you go solar, we recommend you consult your contractor for tips on how to extend the lifespan of your system. Solar panels require very little maintenance, and can last longer than 25 years with proper care. Some contractors include warranties, although the terms will depend on the company.

What if I don’t own my home and want to go solar?

Even if you don’t own your home, you can still switch to solar by signing up for a community solar project.

Community solar is new to New York State, and more and more projects are becoming available. It allows participants to enjoy clean solar power without having to install panels on their property and makes the benefits of clean energy a possibility for more New Yorkers than ever before.

Even if you do own your home, but it isn’t ideal for solar panels or you do not want to install them on your property, you can still go solar by signing up for a community solar project.

• Conduct a self-assessment of your home—especially the condition of your roof—to see if it may be a good fit for a solar installation. Solar panels should not be installed on old or damaged roofs. If your roof has visible damage, such as cracked or missing singles, you should ask your contractor if you will need to repair the roof before installing solar.
• Check with your HOA/neighborhood association to confirm if installing solar panels is allowed before you reach out to a contractor.
• Review our tips and pointers for finding and preparing for a contractor.
• Use our search tool to find your NY-Sun participating contractor.

How much does solar cost?

The cost will depend on your system’s size, your site conditions, the equipment you select, and your method of payment. Be sure to get a few price quotes from participating contractors to determine the cost and purchasing method that is the best fit for your home. NY-Sun also offers financing options and incentives for New York residents looking to go solar.

What are my options to pay for solar?

There are three popular ways for residents to pay for solar: leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. For detailed information on which option is right for you, download and review our homeowner’s guide [PDF] to solar.

What federal tax credits are available?

See the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics for information on the federal investment tax credit for residential solar, how to claim it, and answers to frequently asked questions.

The New York State Public Service Commission oversees solar companies and ensures they meet certain requirements, including enhanced marketing and advertising standards. Solar companies are required to provide homeowners with a website or written information about their business and its products or services.

If you decide to purchase, sign up, or enroll in a solar company’s products or services they must obtain your consent to a sales agreement prior to billing you or enrolling you in an authorized program. Sales agreements must include certain information written in plain language and be in the same language that the solar company used to market to you. The New York State Department of Public Service maintains a list of solar companies that are registered with the State and follow Uniform Business Practices.

Solar companies must have processes in place to resolve customer inquiries. If you submit an inquiry they must provide an acknowledgement or response within 2 days and, if only an acknowledgement is provided, a response within 14 days. If the solar company’s response does not resolve your inquiry, you may file a complaint on the Department of Public Service's website or by calling them at (800) 342-3377.

More information about your legal rights as a solar customer is available on the website for the New York State Office of the Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission .