Initial Information Sheet for Residential Inquiries
Who is Rochester Solar Technologies,?
Rochester Solar Technologies,(RST) is a Rochester, New York based solar and wind renewable energy company. We specialize in solar installations, solar repairs, and consultations for on-grid and off-grid applications in New York State. As a resource for alternative energy products, we are making the connections between customers all over the US and Canada.
Shawn Lessord, Division Manager has over 8 years of experience in the photovoltaic (PV) industry. He is a NYSERDA approved installer, which means that he is held to rigorous certification standards and requirements established by NYSERDA and the National Electrical Code (NEC). This certification benefits you because it means that he is authorized to apply for incentives for eligible PV systems for customers with grid connected systems. The current NYSERDA incentives mean that thousands of dollars in rebates may be applied toward your solar photovoltaic investment.
What can solar power do in my home?
Solar power can be used to generate electricity for some or all of your family’s needs. Depending on the size of the system, you may even generate more electricity than is needed for your own use, which will spin your electric meter backward and could mean a refund check from your utility company. The electricity generated by your solar PV system can power anything connected to your home’s electrical wiring. Sometimes people install solar power for a particular application such as a hot tub, swimming pool, or garage workshop.
Generating your own solar power can mean energy independence for your home. In addition to saving money on your electric bills each month, you will not have a need for a back up generator. The next time electric power is out in your neighborhood, you can still enjoy knowing that your refrigerator will stay cold and your heat will keep you warm.
Will solar PV work for my site?
An important aspect of an effective solar PV installation is, well, the sun. While solar PV panels can produce energy on cloudy days, they don’t work in the shade. So if you are considering installing PV panels on your roof, we’ll need to be sure that there is adequate sunlight reaching your roof throughout the day. Alternatively, panels can be pole or ground mounted if your site will accommodate that. See our site survey information below for some specific questions that will help us help you.
What if I’m building a new home?
Great! With new construction, solar power systems can be integrated into the design. Additionally, if your home is built to Energy Star Standards, you may be eligible for a higher per watt incentive. (e.g. $4.50 per watt instead of $4.00 for most)
What will it cost to have a solar PV system installed on my home?
“Well, that depends” is truly the answer! Individual costs may vary significantly because each system is custom designed for your site, your energy needs, and your budget. Additionally, we encourage you to think of a solar PV system not as a cost, but as an investment. Investing in a solar PV system for your home will lower or eliminate your electric bill for as long as you live there. Many of the panel manufacturer’s warranties are up to 25 years. Best of all you are generating clean power for your home and for others, preventing significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other forms of pollution that are contributing to climate change.
A good rough estimate for your investment in your personal solar PV system is $9-10 per watt. For customers who pay into the Systems Benefit Charge (SBC) fund on their utility bills each month, this investment will be reduced by $3-$4.50 per watt through the NYSERDA incentives. Thus, your out of pocket investment will be in the range of $4-6 per watt or only about ½ of the actual cost. State and Federal Tax Credits can return as much as $7000 more toward your investment. Your net cost could be as little as ¼ of the initial cost. Here is he breakdown for a common 2Kw or 2000 watt system:
**PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS FOR AN EXAMPLE ONLY**
- Typical 2000 watt (2Kw) PV system cost:
Initial investment - $20,000
NYSERDA incentives - $8,000
NYS tax credit - $5,000 (See tax accountant for details)
Out of pocket investment (net) - $7,000
Please note that this price is $10 per watt and is an approximate cost, pricing will vary on complexity of the installation.
- Typical 4000 watt (4Kw) PV system cost:
Initial investment - $40,000
NYSERDA incentives - $16,000
NYS tax credit - $5,000 (See tax accountant for details)
Out of pocket investment (net) - $19,000
Please note that this price is $10 per watt and is an approximate cost, pricing will vary on complexity of the installation.
- Typical 5000 watt (5Kw) PV system cost:
Initial investment - $48,000
NYSERDA incentives - $20,000
NYS tax credit - $5,000 (See tax accountant for details)
Out of pocket investment (net) - $23,000
Please note that this price is $10 per watt and is an approximate cost, pricing will vary on complexity of the installation.
ABOVE 5.01Kw SYSTEM NYSERDA REBATE CHANGES
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Typical 6000 watt (6Kw) PV system cost:
Initial investment - $60,000
NYSERDA incentives - $23,000
(1-5Kw - $20,000 5.01Kw-6 Kw - $3,000 = $23,000)
NYS tax credit - $5,000 (See tax accountant for details)
Out of pocket investment (net $32,000)
Please note that this price is $10 per watt and is an approximate cost, pricing will vary on complexity of the installation.
What about wind power?
Wind turbines are a rapidly growing renewable energy technology that can effectively be used in western and central New York either as a stand alone system or in combination with solar PV panels in what is called a hybrid system.
While we have the knowledge and experience to install and grid-connect wind generation systems, RST currently is not certified by NYSERDA to apply for incentives on behalf of our customers. We are working with a local partner who is in the process of certification in hopes to be able to bring the incentives to you in the near future.
In addition to the information you will find on RST’s website, we suggest two other website's for rough estimates of the initial investment needed to bring solar power to your home. At NYSERDA, you can get information on your net cost, monthly savings, and payback. You can also use our Solar Estimator to get an idea of price, savings, and system size. These sites will give you the information needed to decide if you’re ready to move forward. At that time you can call us to schedule a site survey, where we can gather information to give you a more detailed estimate.
What are these NYSERDA incentives you keep mentioning?
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers financial assistance to the State's residents to address New York's energy and environmental needs. Incentives are available though a number of programs for various projects and initiatives including wind and solar systems, when you work through an eligible installer. The incentives are a rebate that will reduce your final out of pocket investment in your solar PV system.
Basically, as part of the process of working with you to install solar PV panels for your home, RST will complete the paperwork needed for NYSERDA approval of your incentives. The incentives will be incrementally refunded directly to RST and must entirely be passed on to you. We will apply them to reduce your out of pocket investment and then will refund any remaining credit to you upon grid-connection.
**PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS FOR AN EXAMPLE ONLY**
Residential incentive levels are:
- $4.00 per watt (direct current or the rated output of the PV panel) for a grid-connected PV system for a system up to 5000 watts,
- $3.00 per watt (direct current or the rated output of the PV panel) for a grid-connected PV system between 5001 and 10000 watts,
- $4.50 per watt for PV systems installed on a New York Energy $martSM Labeled Home and;
- $4.50 per watt for any building-integrated PV system that is approved under NYSERDA's New Construction Program
More information on NYSERDA incentives can be found at: www.powernaturally.org/Programs/Solar/incentives.asp
Do I want my system to be grid connected or off-grid?
Well, that depends…
Grid-connected advantages
You can have a $0 electric bill if the system is sized right.
You have power when the utility goes out.
Your system provides assistance to the national electric grid so others can buy your clean power.
Systems are easy to install.
Systems are easy to maintain.
You will not notice any difference in electric service when you are buying electric or when you are selling it.
Grid-connected disadvantages
Lots of paperwork...but RST takes care of this except for a few forms which require your signature.
Off-Grid advantages
You will have no electric bill.
You have power when the utility goes out.
Off-Grid disadvantages
System needs batteries which increases the cost about 15%-20% over a non-battery based system or a grid-connected system.
System will need battery maintenance every month.
No incentives available.
No tax credits available.
I’ve done my research and I want more information. What is the next step?
If you’ve read all of the information that we’ve suggested above and you’d like to move ahead, the next step is to gather the answers to the questions below. This will help us give you the best level of service when you contact us.
Shading Questions
Are there trees on the east, south or west sides of your home? If so, how close and how tall are theses trees? Would you consider trimming these trees if necessary?
Are there any buildings next to your home? If so, how close and how tall?
Do you have a south facing roof?
What material does your current roof consist of? (e.g. shingles, metal, rubber)
What is the size of your yard or lot?
Estimating Questions
Who is your electric utility provider?
What is your monthly electric Kwh usage?
If you have a year’s worth of electric utility bills, what is your yearly Kwh usage?
What is your monthly payment to your utility?
Also, what is it for a year?
Do you pay into Systems Benefit charges (SBC) on your current electric bills?
Electrical Service Questions
What size electric service currently feeds your home? (100A, 150A, 200A)
Where is your current electric meter located? (e.g. basement, outside)
Does your electric service come into your house above ground or below ground?
Do you have at least two spare spaces for breakers in your current panel box?
Energy Usage Questions
What is the age of your furnace? (If older than 10 years, consider installing a new Energy Star model to significantly reduce your electricity use.)
What is the age of your freezer or refrigerator? (If older than 10 years, consider installing an Energy Star model.)
Do you use incandescent light bulbs? (If so, consider switching to compact fluorescent bulbs.)
Do you have a well pump?
Do you have a sump pump that runs frequently?
Miscellaneous Questions
What are your reasons for inquiring about a PV system? (e.g. utility cost savings, environmental interests)
Would you be interested in a battery-based system or a non battery-based system?
Would you prefer a roof mounted array or a pole mounted array in your yard?
What condition is your roof in? (e.g. poor, good, great-less then 3 years old)
What style of home do you have? (e.g. ranch, colonial, cape)
What township is your home in?
By how much do you want your solar system to reduce your electric bill?
What is your budget for your solar project?
Okay, now what?
Now it’s time to call us to schedule your site survey, where we will come and talk with you in person.
Here’s what we do at a site survey:
- take a solar pathfinder reading,
- perform a shading analysis,
- discuss possible locations for PV panels and mounting,
- take photos to help us design your system,
- check electrical panel box to see if an upgrade is needed,
- provide product literature on the proposed system,
- review your utility bill,
- answer any additional questions that you have, and
- assess whether drafting a system proposal is an appropriate next step.
Our one-time fees for a personal site survey are credited back to you if we install your system:
- Rochester and surrounding suburbs - $60
- Buffalo and surrounding suburbs - $60
- Syracuse and surrounding suburbs - $60
Thank you for contacting RST
We hope that you have found this information sheet to be useful in considering whether it’s time for you have a solar PV system installed for your home. We would be pleased to answer any additional questions you have.
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