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Financial Incentives Available for Solar Electric Systems

For more information, contact Jean Vernet, Extension Associate. (212)340-2913

Solar electricity or photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight to electricity, and its use is becoming more widespread across the country in homes, commercial buildings, schools and many other applications.

Photo of a worker installing a solar cell on a rooftop

A worker installing photovoltaic (PV) technology on a rooftop

The efficiency of the technology continues to increase, while costs decrease.

Homeowners Saving with Solar

"We're now seeing many homeowners throughout New York State who have installed PV systems to power their homes and are very happy with them," said Jean Vernet, an Extension Educator with Cornell University Cooperative Extension in New York City.

"And if you take advantage of financial incentives available through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) New York Energy $martSM program, you can save 40 to 70% of the cost to purchase and install a solar electric system. Add to that the New York State tax credit for PV systems, and you can see how affordable it is to produce your own electricity."

Running your electric meter backwards

To be eligible for NYSERDA's cash incentives, the system must be "grid-connected" -- connected to your electric meter. When the PV system produces more electricity than you are using, your meter actually runs backwards and the amount of electricity that you produce is subtracted from your utility bill.

Systems must be installed by an eligible installer, who is responsible for applying to NYSERDA for the incentive. The list of installers can be found at www.powernaturally.org.

NYSERDA's cash incentives are paid to the installer, and the installer passes 100 percent of the incentive through to the homeowner. All PV systems installed through this program must carry a full 5-year parts and labor warranty. The PV system will include an easy-to-read digital meter allowing customers and installers to monitor system performance.

According to Jean Vernet, "PV systems have no moving parts, are modular, and easily expandable. Energy independence and environmental compatibility are two attractive features of PV systems. The fuel (sunlight) is free, and no noise or pollution is created from operating PV systems. In general, PV systems that are well designed and properly installed require minimal maintenance and have long service lifetimes."

Who does this apply to?

To find out how you can take advantage of the PV Homes Program, call Cornell University Cooperative Extension at 212-340-2914 or visit www.powernaturally.org, or call 1-877-NY-SMART.

New York Energy SmartSM, a statewide initiative administered by NYSERDA, is designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. All New York Energy SmartSM programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, National Grid, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric. The programs are available to electricity distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) who pay into the SBC. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds under an agreement with the Public Service Commission.