|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a solar electric (PV) system?
A solar electric system uses photovoltaics(PV) to convert light energy from the sun (photons) directly into electricity.
PV systems are clean, safe,
quiet, require little maintenance and have no moving parts. They can be used to power a wide variety of things.
PV systems already power many items we use daily, ranging from calculators to road and traffic signs. They provide power for
satellites in space as well as to the homes and workplaces we occupy.
For buildings that have no access to utility power, PV systems provide an attractive alternative to noisy, dirty diesel generators.
For those on the electrical grid,as in NYC, PV systems provide a way to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear energy, helping the environment,
lowering electricity bills, and providing backup power.
Back to Top
Are people using solar power in NYC?
Solar power is in use all over the city, from Muni-meters and traffic signs to buildings and subway platforms.
In Battery Park City, for example, the Solaire apartment building has a PV
facade, using a technology called “building integrated photovoltaics” or BIPV.
The MTA uses solar power on the Gun Hill Bus Depot in the Bronx, as well as on the
new Stillwell Avenue subway terminal in Coney Island.
There are many brownstones and other small residential buildings throughout the city that make their own
electricity from the sun.
For more information see the list of Solar Neighbors.
Back to Top
Can I put a solar electricity system on my brownstone or house?
YES! There are many NYC examples of solar systems on brownstones or houses. If you have more than 250 square feet of
roof space,
and no big trees or tall buildings to the south, a solar installation might just be right for you!
For examples of NYC dwellings of this type that are using solar energy, see Solar Neighbors.
Back to Top
Does solar power work with my current electricity (e.g., Con Ed)?
YES! Solar power is a good idea even if you are already connected to the power grid. “Grid Connected” buildings use power from their
solar panels during the day, and power from the grid at night.
If the panels create more power than what is used during the day, the excess power is credited to your account for use at night
(Your meter actually runs in reverse!). This is called “Net Metering.”
Back to Top
What happens at night or if it rains for a few days at a time?
Most solar installations in the city are “Grid Connected”, so power is provided by Con Ed when it is nighttime or cloudy.
Houses that are not connected to the grid store power from the solar panels in battery banks, to use when in the absence of sunlight.
Back to Top
If we have heavy snow that stays on my roof, will I still have electricity?
YES! Whether you are connected to the power grid or have a battery backup system, snow will usually not prevent you from having power.
Additionally, most solar panels are installed at an angle, so snow slides off after a brief period.
Back to Top
I have an older home - can I still put solar panels on my roof?
YES! Solar panels do add weight to your roof, but most roofs can support it. As long as your roof is flat or south facing, and is not shaded,
you can probably have a solar system installed. Solar power systems, along with an energy audit of your home -
especially an old home - can drastically reduce your power consumption, helping the environment and saving you money.
Back to Top
Are there any potential health hazards from solar electricity?
No. A properly installed solar system poses no health risks to you or your family. There are, however,
many health hazards from conventional electricity – including respiratory and heart problems from air pollution and mercury poisoning from contaminated fish.
Back to Top
How much will a solar system cost me?
The final customer cost for a typical small residential system in NYS is about $10,000 - $15,000. A typical three-kilowatt system, which will offset
the needs of an energy-efficient home, typically costs $24,000 - $30,000, installed ($8-$10 per Watt). Rebates and tax incentives reduce the cost by
more than half, to $10,000 - $15,000.
Systems with a battery pack for backup power cost more. This may seem like a lot of money but remember,
you are buying a system that will last at least 20 years, typically much longer.
Back to Top
Why is solar so expensive?
The short answer is…it’s not! With a solar system, you are buying over 20 years of power all at one time. Although the initial investment is large
once the system is installed, it generates power with no additional costs.
To make solar power purchasing more like conventional power purchasing, you can finance a system and pay a monthly bill on the loan. As conventional
power prices go up, it's a good feeling knowing that YOUR monthly costs will stay the same!
Back to Top
Why should I invest in a solar electric system?
Good reasons to invest in a solar electric system include:
• Stable long term investment
• Knowing your energy costs in advance, after completion of financing arrangements
• Not being at the mercy of unpredictable energy price increases
• Reduce impact on global warming
• Energy security
• Promote cleaner air
• Increase property value
Back to Top
What appliances will run on solar electricity (fridge, computer, TV)?
ALL of them! Modern solar systems use a device called an inverter to change the DC power coming from the solar panels to AC power and send it to your standard electrical outlets. All your appliances will work the same way they did before.
Back to Top
Is solar electricity reliable?
The source for solar electricity is the sun, which is expected to keep shining for billions of years. On cloudy days and nights you can buy power from the utility as usual, so your energy source will never be interrupted as long as the power grid is up and running. Solar power is delivered to your roof daily...you just need to take advantage of it.
Solar panels are manufactured by well known companies (Sharp, BP, GE, Shell, etc) and are generally
warranteed for 20+ years, typically lasting much longer than that.
Back to Top
There are a lot of trees (buildings) surrounding me. Are solar panels right for me?
Not all sites are good for solar. You need a flat or south facing roof with at least 250 square feet of space. It needs to have exposure to the sun, with little shade falling on the panels during the middle of the day.
If you have questions about putting solar on your roof, feel free to contact us.
If your site is not good for solar panels, but you still want to do something to help out the environment you might consider switching to clean Green power instead of standard utility power. Green power is electricity you can buy that is generated from renewable sources. You can find out more by clicking our
GreenPower Link.
Back to Top
Will putting solar panels on my building decrease its value?
No. In fact, according to the National Appraisers Association, a $500 decrease in annual electricity costs increases your
home's value by approximately $5,000. A 3kw solar system produces electricity worth more than this.
Back to Top
What happens if my solar panel manufacturer goes out of business?
Most solar panels and components are manufactured by large companies that have been around for a long time (Sharp, GE, BP, Shell, etc)
and are warranted for at least 20 years, so you can feel safe that your investment is protected.
Back to Top
Are there any tax credits for installing panels?
YES! There are many rebates and tax credits available to help defray the cost of a solar system. Available financial incentives can cut the cost of a system by over half. These credits may not be around forever, so now is the time to take advantage of them!
See the BASIC Guide to Solar System Financing for more information (.PDF Format).
Back to Top
|
