Believe it or not, we get more than enough sunshine “up here” for Solar. Our financial incentives in New York are some of the most generous in the country. Energy costs in New York are much higher than the national average, making Solar Energy even more attractive. Present day solar panels are made to enhance or match the appearance of homes. The environmental benefits of lowering carbon emissions and reducing environmental footprint are making headlines daily in the media.

A quick look outside in the spring, summer and fall will tell you that New York gets more than its fair share of sunshine, enough to power your home or supply you with much of your hot water.

In fact, New York has about 25-30 percent more sunshine than Germany, which has installed more solar power than any other country in recent years. We get about 78 percent of the sunshine that San Diego gets. Ours is weighted a little more toward the summer months.

New York, at 16.89 cents per kW-hour has the third highest electricity prices among all 50 states, according to the Energy Information Administration of the U.S. government. That is 60 percent higher than the national average of 10.53 cents. Our solar buck stretches farther here than in most other states. 

Rebates are available that can cover 40-70 percent of the cost of a Solar Electric installation.

Typical residential rebates range from a few thousand dollars up to $35,000! Other incentives include a 30 percent federal income tax credit up to $2000, a 25 percent state income tax credit up to $5000, an exemption of the 4 percent state sales and use tax on the solar equipment, and some counties also exempt their local sales and use taxes. Low cost loans are also available to finance systems.

For solar electric systems, Residential Net Metering is available and is the present day solution for “storing” the electricity. The concept is pretty simple: when your solar electric system is making more electricity than your home is using, the extra electricity is sent back to The Grid and is banked there.  When your home is using more than it is making, you take it back, or withdraw it from The Grid. The power company will install a special meter to keep track and reconcile at the end of the year.  Now you can take advantage of that great summer sun and not worry about storage. No batteries. No generators. Nothing to maintain. Just simple, reliable, clean electricity.

Oil just hit another record high of $92 per barrel this morning. Solar Hot Water Collectors offset energy costs of oil, gas, propane or electricity currently used for water heating. Systems are typically pre-heaters for the existing water heater and keep it from running as often. Typical hot water systems may offset 65 percent or more of the energy used to heat water.

Your home or business is a good spot for solar if you have a roof or yard that gets sun most or all of the day. If you’re not sure, walk outside and look at your roof every few hours on a sunny day and see if any trees are casting shadows. Take pictures to remember. The roof can point anywhere from WSW to ESE and work just fine. To find south, get or borrow a compass or just find sunrise and sunset times in the paper and take the mid-point of those. Find the sun at that time and you’ve found south.  The roof should be in good shape, with 15 or more years of life left on it. The structure should be solid.

The best way to get started on your new system is to find a local contractor who is knowledgeable about what is needed to design a safe and effective system for your home or business.  Contractors will give you a turnkey system and deal with the rebates, paperwork for the power company; building, electrical, and plumbing permits. They will ensure that all building codes are met, meet with inspectors  and start-up the system. Like any home improvement project, find a contractor you are comfortable with, who has good references and will give you a quality job at a fair price. Talk to your accountant about the tax credits.

When is the best time to get started? Now. Be ready to catch that springtime sun when it rolls around. You’ll be out there having fun; while your solar panels will be putting the sun to work for you. It just makes sense.

Jon Sharp is the Regional Manager for SolarWrights in Saratoga Springs and has been developing, manufacturing, designing and installing solar cells and solar systems for 14 years.  He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ; 518 580 8601 or toll free at 866-682-0514.

Homeowners taking advantage of the New York sunshine.  A recent SolarWrights installation in Albany County.

Solar Electric and Solar Hot Water being installed by SolarWrights in Fulton County.  Solar supplies half of the electricity and about 70 percent or more of the hot water for this home..

Solar Electric installed by SolarWrights in a field in Columbia County.  All of the homeowner’s yearly electrical needs are supplied by this system.