Will I still receive an electricity bill?
Yes. However, your electric expense will be significantly reduced since you’ll be generating your own electricity. Your bill will include any fixed charges plus energy you continue to purchase from your utility company.
Are savings guaranteed?
No. Savings are projections based on your current use, the solar system’s expected production, and the estimated future increases in the costs for electricity charged by your utility. Your future use, shading and weather, and other unpredictable factors can all impact the savings you will see.
Who is responsible for maintenance?
Fixed rooftop and ground mounted solar arrays are virtually maintenance free with no moving parts. Since frequent rain is common in NYS, it’s generally not necessary to clean your solar panels. Your solar array comes with a five year labor warranty in the event that it requires any adjustments or repair.
What happens when it snows?
In short, nothing changes. Your solar estimate plans for most of your energy production to occur during the long-daylight hours of summer time. This production produces kWh credit on your utility account from which you’ll draw during night-time and darker winter days. So, there’s no worry when it snows. Allow snow to naturally melt off your array and it will continue to make energy when the sun comes out, all year long.
Is there a warranty?
Your solar panels come with a 25-Year limited manufacturer warranty. Inverter warranties range from 12-25 years depending on brand. Batteries typically come with a ten year warranty, also dependent on the brand you select.
Your solar system also comes with a 5-year “bumper-to-bumper” warranty that covers labor in the event that your solar system needs any adjustment or repair.
Can I claim tax credits or incentives?
Most homeowners qualify for Federal & NY State Tax credits. However, these credits are based on your taxable income. All tax incentive based savings estimates must be verified with your tax professional.
NY-Sun Grants are available for most residential solar installations. Your NOCO Solar representative will tell you exactly how much grant money your project will receive, based on the size of your system.
NOCO Solar will handle all paperwork necessary to apply for your NY-Sun grants. Your cooperation will be required if NYSERDA selects your property for a quality control inspection after install.
Should I be concerned with adding the extra weight of solar panels to my roof?
Every solar project includes a thorough inspection of your home’s roof structure, including photos and measurements that are provided to a Structural Engineer for assessment. Roofs in Western New York have been designed to withstand up to 50-60 lbs of snow per square foot. A rooftop solar array only adds about 3 lbs per square foot. So, the weight is negligible for roofs that were built per modern building codes.
In some cases, if your home was built prior to the implementation of modern building codes, the Structural Engineer may discover that your roof needs additional reinforcement, which we can install in the attic space, prior to installing your solar panels. When necessary, this measure will make older homes more structurally sound.
Do I need a new roof before I add solar panels?
If your home has a shingle roof, we generally recommend installing solar panels on fresh shingles that are no more than five years old. In some cases, shingles between five-ten years old may be suitable if they’re in like-new condition. Your solar array is warrantied to produce energy for 25+ years. So, it’s important that your roof has at least that much life expectancy. Your NOCO Solar consultant will be happy to assess the condition of your roof and make recommendations.
Does it matter if my roof was designed with rafter construction vs. engineered trusses?
Roof designs consisting of engineered trusses or rafter construction are suitable for solar installations. Our detailed solar evaluation will include a detailed inspection of your roof’s construction. Our findings are then reviewed by a structural engineer to determine the best plan to attach your solar array to your roof. In some cases, we may be required to add some structural reinforcement to rafters if your home does not meet modern building codes.
