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1. What is Community Solar NY?

Community Solar NY is a new initiative under NY-Sun to make solar easier and more affordable through community-driven initiatives.

2. What is Solarize NY?

Solarize is a short term (approximately 6-9 months, including planning and outreach), local effort that brings together groups of potential solar customers through widespread outreach and education. This model helps customers choose a solar installation company that is offering competitive, transparent pricing

3. What are watts, kilowatts, and kilowatt hours?

The size of a solar electric system is often described in Watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). One kW = 1,000 W. Watts are a unit of power, just like the horsepower of an engine. They express the maximum possible output of energy the system can produce at any point in time. When sunlight strikes solar electric panels, they produce electricity that is measured in kilowatt hours (kWh). Kilowatt hours are the units of energy you buy from your utility and use in your home to run your appliances, lighting and electronics.

4. How do I know if my home or business is suitable for solar?

A south-facing roof is the most ideal location for a solar electric system. Shading can cause a decrease in your system’s ability to function at its maximum capacity. To avoid this, ensure trees and other obstructions, current and future, do not compromise your system. South is the best “but East or West facing roof surfaces work as well.”

5. Will the system produce electricity on cloudy days?

Yes, just not as much. Under an overcast sky, panels will generate less electricity than they produce on a clear, sunny day.

6. Will my system produce power if there is a blackout?

Without a battery backup, grid-tied solar electric systems won’t operate when the power goes out. However, Green Logic installs an alternate power outlet than can be utilized during a blackout to charge a cell phone, laptop computer, power your internet modem and wifi, etc.

7. What sort of maintenance is required?

Solar electric systems require very little maintenance. In fact, it will probably be the least maintenance of any system in your home or business. Your Green Logic Energy Consultant can explain more during your consultation.

8. How much will I save by installing a solar electric system?

Your solar savings depend on the size of the system you choose, your annual electrical usage, electricity rates and any financing option that you choose. To start, ask your eligible solar contractor how much electricity your new system is expected to produce on an annual basis and then compare that to how much electricity your household uses to get an idea of how much you could save.

9. Will I still receive a monthly electric bill after installing a solar electric system?

Yes. You will receive a monthly bill from your utility company as you always have, but the amount owed will differ depending on your monthly electrical usage. Depending on how your system is sized, you may accrue credits in the more productive summer months, which can be carried over and used in the less productive winter months.

10. Are state incentives available for my system?

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) provide incentives to help New York go solar. The amount of incentive provided is based on the size of your system, orientation, shading and other factors, but for an average solar installation, the incentive will be up to 25% of your system’s total installed cost.

11. Are federal incentives available for my system?

This can be claimed on your 2016 tax return.