This is a commonly asked question. Solar panels absorb the suns heat and light and shed snow pretty well. A small dusting has little to no impact on production and can melt very quickly. When heavy snow accumulates, the solar panels will stop production completely.

Solar panels are much more efficient on bright sunny days. Solar panels are designed for all weather conditions. Even on a cloudy day, the panels can produce. Contrary to popular belief, panels can work even if they are covered and shaded. It just depends on the amount of shade and the duration the panels are sitting in the shade which determines the amount of production it may produce. At night, solar panels do not produce at all.

The life expectancy for a solar system can range between 25 to 30 years. Solar panels are extremely efficient over their lifespan and can lose about 1% of their efficiency each year. The most reputable solar companies will offer a 25 year guaranteed warranty.

When going solar, many companies offer the bait and switch offering a "free roof" when going solar. Reputable solar companies will send out an experienced surveyor to take pictures and measurements of your roof. From there, based on the outcome, you'll be advised if the quality of your rooftop is in great condition for solar. If not, you'll be presented with many options related to building the roof cost directly into the overall project cost. This cost would be rolled into the total cost of the project.

In August of last year (2022), Congress passed an extension of the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This went from 26% to 30% and will stay that way for 10 years pending the political climate. For customers who finance or pay for the system outrite, they are are entitled to 30% off the gross cost of their system. For homeowners in NJ, they are also eligible for the SUSI program, which entitles the homeowner to a credit for every 1MWh of power generated from their solar panels. For homeowners in NY, they are entitled to a NYSERDA state rebate, which is taken immediately off the top of their cost when purchasing a system. Those state rebates, plus the ITC credit can really help offset the cost to go solar.

Finance (loan), cash and leasing options. Call us if you'd like to discuss the pros and cons of each option for your particular situation. (845) 262-4480

A homeowner will never be 100% off the grid. Even with the perfect solar offset, a utility company still has mandatory company fees. These fees can be different based on your utility company. Nevertheless, your panels will send emergy back to the grid to help offset the cost of your normal bill. As well, if you have a battery backup, any excess generation is stored and sent back as well.

Installing solar panels does mean that you have gone off the grid. Most systems are not designed to consistently generate enough power to be a home's only source of electricity. Which is why it is more common for a household to maintain connection with their utility company. With net metering, one can send electricity produced back to the grid when not drawing power. When you're billed by your utility company, you are billed on the net production from your panels and the electricity you used from the grid.

Financially, you save on your bills, increase your property value and are able to benefit from the (solar) investment tax credit. Environmentally, you are reducing your carbon footprint for a much cleaner, greener and more abundant way of life. You are helping the environment and also helping your pockets.