New York Solar Program
FAQ's
How Does Solar Work? / What Are the Benefits of Solar?
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, air, or water pollution. Solar panels, which are made up of photovoltaic (PV) cells, 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. You can use the converted electricity to power your home. Any excess energy you produce will be contributed back to the grid and can become a credit on your next energy bill.
PV cells allow particles of light, which are called photons, to knock electrons free from atoms. This process generates electricity, a form of power you can use just about anywhere.
When you go solar, you will still be connected to the grid. This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all the electricity you may need. This also 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, energy storage does present additional costs.
If you are interested in learning more about how solar works, we encourage you to visit:
Am I Ready for Solar?
Solar panels work best when installed on a sunny south-facing roof or 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 great candidate for rooftop or ground-mounted solar, community solar may be right for you.
Solar panels can be mounted on either the roof of your home or to the ground, wherever conditions are best on your property.
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 electricity 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 determine the 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 site than a rooftop system. Get in touch with a contractor to schedule a detailed assessment of your home.
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.
If your home isn’t ideal for solar panels or you do not want to install them on your property, community solar may be the way to go.
Community solar is new to New York State, and more and more projects are becoming available. It allows participants to reap the benefits of solar without having to install panels on their property, and makes the benefits of clean energy a possibility for more New Yorkers than ever before.
How Do I Get Started with Solar?
In addition to educating yourself about solar, the first step is to conduct a self-assessment of your home to determine its viability for a solar installation. We recommend you check the condition of your roof. Solar panels should not be installed on old or damaged roofs. If your roof has visible damage, such as cracked or missing singles, you may need to repair the roof prior to an installation. Roofs should also have no more than two layers of shingles.