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.

By reducing the electricity you get from the grid, solar lowers your bill. How much you can save depends on the electric rates in your area. There may also be significant federal, State, and local tax credits for installing solar at your home. You may also be able to create an additional income for your home by selling excess production back.

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.

Solar is one of the cleanest forms of renewable energy. By switching to solar, you reduce your carbon footprint and help New York fight climate change. Solar also reduces the presence of harmful air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, which may cause serious health problems. Ultimately, by going solar, you are contributing to a cleaner and healthier community.

With solar, your home can go from being an energy consumer to being an energy producer. Electric utilities will credit your bill for the power your home produces using solar panels. You’ll only pay for electricity if you use more than what your solar panels generate during that billing cycle. Any excess electricity you produce that month becomes a credit on your next electricity bill (though you may still have to pay other charges and fees).

It depends on your home’s energy needs. Net Zero will work with you to assess those needs. A good starting place is to gather a year’s worth of your electricity bills. Net Zero 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 how big your system will need to be. We can also tell you if a ground-mounted system may be a better fit for your site than a rooftop system. Contact us to get a detailed assessment.

When paying for solar, you always have multiple options.  You can choose to take a solar loan, which can offer wonderful financing deals which can alleviate the upfront investment. You can choose to pay with cash, which would increase the value of your home, and bring strong long-term returns. If affordability is an issue, you may be able to contact us so we can walk you through technology tax incentives and how they can help afford solar.