New York Solar Roundup: One Path Forward
One Path Forward
The Million Strong Solar Coalition recently rallied in Albany to urge Governor Cuomo to create one million solar New York households by 2023.
The organization’s environmental-driven message is making waves as New Yorkers and the world collectively realize the imminent dangers of climate change.
The Million Solar Strong Coalition is comprised of industry, environmental, justice and community organizations united by the vision of a strong clean energy economy that works for all New Yorkers.
New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) already supports 30 percent clean and renewable energy by 2023, and 50 percent by 2030. Many believe the goal to be lofty, especially in light of California’s recent resolution to include solar technology on every new house.
A Solar Metropolis?
Peter Davidson and Tom Mattzie look at how solar can succeed in New York City, where property owners and tenants find it difficult to capitalize on solar’s benefits. From community solar to solar cooperatives, the rush for New York City to discover ways to leverage renewable energy’s benefits is on. (Read More from Crain’s New York Business)
NY-Sun Prospers ☀️
New York homeowners have the historic opportunity to own a solar system through NY-Sun.
NY-Sun is a New York taxpayer incentive program that allows homeowners to go solar.
Click here to learn more about NY-Sun and schedule a free consultation.
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New York’s Stand for Solar Energy Delivers Power to the People
Solar is everywhere. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start or what any of it means.
If you’re a Long Island homeowner, you should be aware of the options available to you – and which you should take advantage of.
What is a Solar Lease?
A solar lease is an agreement between a homeowner and a solar company that contractually provides solar panels to a homeowner for a designated period of time in exchange for a monthly payment.
Leases appear to be a great investment from the jump: A promised monthly savings on your electric bill and a hand in helping the environment.
Plus, when the lease term is up there will be better technology to replace it – right?
Unfortunately, many solar leases exploit homeowners.
Newsday’s Thomas Maier and Mark Harrington two weeks ago revealed a wealth of consumer complaints about solar leases.
Let’s be clear: Many solar companies ethically provide solar leases.
Yet even an ethical solar lease leaves the average homeowner with a 2.9 percent average annual increase on your savings.
What’s more? Most solar leases lock homeowners into longterm agreements that make it difficult for homeowners to move.
New York in 2014 realized this and decided to create a program to help.
NY-Sun
The opportunity to make the switch to solar has never been easier for New York homeowners.
NY – Sun is a taxpayer incentive program that allows homeowners to reduce and lock their existing utility bill and outright own their solar system.
New York looks for solar ready houses – houses that solar can perform most effectively.
That means that less than 25 percent of New York state is eligible to qualify for NY-Sun.
If you want to help the environment, save money, and sustain Long Island’s economy, you owe it to yourself to find out if you qualify.
Click here to learn more now about NY-Sun and discover if you are eligible.
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Seven solar energy facts and myths
We get it. There are a lot of scary myths about the solar industry.
From long-term contracts and commitments to learning how the panels function.
You want to go solar, but it seems more trouble than it’s worth.
We’re here to help.
Here are seven solar facts and myths to help make your decision easier.
Myth: Solar panels don’t function if it’s cloudy, raining, or snowing.
Solar panels are comprised of some of the most durable materials in the energy market. While panels will only produce at 10-25 percent efficiency when it’s raining, there are added benefits. Natural dust, dirt, and elements make solar panels dirty. The rain helps to clean and maintain your panels so they function with greater efficiency when it’s not raining — no ladder or hose required!
Myth: Solar panels are too expensive.
The average price per kilowatt hour rises every single year.
You definitely see that on your monthly bill.
Meanwhile, the cost of manufacturing panels continues to drop as demand increases. Qualifying New York state residents can look to the state-funded NY-Sun program to convert your house to clean and renewable energy while maintaining your current energy bill. You can lock in your rate and continue to pay the same (or less) while the average cost of power production continues to rise.
Myth: Panels are ugly and will make my house unattractive.
Let’s be real: Some early solar panels looked bulky on your beautiful roof.
The price of panels was high and it didn’t seem worth it.
But as technology has improved, so has the look of the panels.
New panels are beautiful, sleek, and not only look great on your roof, but increase your house’s value.
Fact: Solar panels add equity to your house.
An investment in solar is not just great for the environment and your energy bill.
You’re actually helping to pay back into the value of your house.
Panels are built to last. Most warrantees guarantee your panels will function with 80 percent efficiency for at least 20 years.
Solar ownership means you control your energy cost and production — value that can be passed along to a new homeowner if you decide to move.
Fact: Solar panels slow the use of fossil fuels.
Clean and renewable energy sources are driving America’s energy market.
The decision to make the switch not only helps to provide jobs, but it slows the use of environmentally-damaging fossil fuels.
The average solar array saves an average of 5,253 pounds of coal from being burned each year.
Fact: State subsidies make it easier than ever to see if solar is right for you.
That pesky tree has made it difficult for you to make the move.
You’ve wanted to make the move, but it seems far too big of a hassle.
Did you know New York state’s NY-Sun program helps make the transition easy?
NY-Sun is part of a $1 billion commitment to the state’s clean and renewable energy future.
The program seeks to help up to 400,000 homes go solar by 2023.
The best part? If you qualify for the program, it is a seamless process that puts the power in your hands with your taxpayer dollars.
To find out if NY-Sun is right for you, click here.
Photo credit: RecondOil
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