# Going solar? **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Off Topic\ **Created:** [January 5, 2016, 12:51pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463 "2016-01-05T12:51:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Mankthetank19](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mankthetank19/32/5295_2.png) [@Mankthetank19](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mankthetank19)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2016, 12:51pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/1 "2016-01-05T12:51:06Z")
I thought I would bring this topic back up since the last thread was dated back to 2010. I think I am planning to go solar at our double (future income property) before we buy our next home due to the NY State and Federal incentives. - NY State Tax credit - 25% back or up to 5k - [https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/credits/solar\_energy\_system\_equipment\_credit.htm](https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/credits/solar_energy_system_equipment_credit.htm) - Federal Tax Credit - 30% back and no upper limit - [http://www.energystar.gov/about/federal\_tax\_credits](http://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits) - The cheap financing - 3.49% if repaid through automatic bank withdrawals - For residential customers, loans are available for up to $13,000, or up to $25,000 - Electric bills are paid for - Can install batteries to hold any unused power to power home - The credits received for powering back the grid with the unused energy - No high upfront costs because everything is being financed - Increase rent to cover cost of install over the years and include electric within the monthly rent bill Has anybody gone through this program within NY State? - [http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/NY-Sun-Incentive-Program-Overview](http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/NY-Sun-Incentive-Program-Overview) If so, can you provide the 411 and recommendations of who to use? ---
**Author:** ![tpgsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tpgsr/32/7374_2.png) [@tpgsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/tpgsr)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2016, 12:56pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/2 "2016-01-05T12:56:45Z")
I have worked with Solar Liberty and CIR Solar. I am a big fan of the people at CIR Solar. ---
**Author:** ![Mankthetank19](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mankthetank19/32/5295_2.png) [@Mankthetank19](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mankthetank19)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2016, 1:26pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/3 "2016-01-05T13:26:05Z")
List of installers for Ny State - [http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/Find-A-Solar-Electric-Installer](http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/Find-A-Solar-Electric-Installer) ---
**Author:** ![tpgsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tpgsr/32/7374_2.png) [@tpgsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/tpgsr)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2016, 2:17pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/4 "2016-01-05T14:17:33Z")
Both of the guys that I mentioned are on that list. If you want to do it yourself I can have my lighting specialist help with the nyserda paperwork. It typically works best to hire a reputable company. - - - Updated - - - Also CVM Electric. They are not as deep in the game as CIR, but I can’t say enough good things about Carlo or Tre over at CVM. ---
**Author:** ![Mankthetank19](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/mankthetank19/32/5295_2.png) [@Mankthetank19](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Mankthetank19)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2016, 2:36pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/5 "2016-01-05T14:36:45Z")
> [@tpgsr](#): > > Both of the guys that I mentioned are on that list. If you want to do it yourself I can have my lighting specialist help with the nyserda paperwork. It typically works best to hire a reputable company. > > - > - > - Updated - - - > > Also CVM Electric. They are not as deep in the game as CIR, but I can’t say enough good things about Carlo or Tre over at CVM. Thanks - I will give CIR Solar a call, especially if no one else adds content. ---
**Author:** ![Geehee](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/geehee/32/7238_2.png) [@Geehee](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Geehee)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2016, 2:52pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/6 "2016-01-05T14:52:21Z")
Something I’ve been curious on related to this: - How does this effect things when it comes time to replace / reshingle a roof? [LIST] - What does this do to the wear/tear of a typical roof? - Does the installing company take a look at the added weight to the roof of the structure? - Instances where I would be concerned are significant snow, and in the instance of a structure fire. - Have the panels gotten good enough to provide an ROI compared to their initial cost? Especially in our area where we can go days without seeing direct sunlight & clear skies. [/LIST] ---
**Author:** ![tpgsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tpgsr/32/7374_2.png) [@tpgsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/tpgsr)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2016, 4:52pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/7 "2016-01-05T16:52:25Z")
> [@Geehee](#): > > Something I’ve been curious on related to this: > > - How does this effect things when it comes time to replace / reshingle a roof? > [LIST] > > - What does this do to the wear/tear of a typical roof? > > - It is recommended to replace an old roof and then install the panels. If you install them on an old roof, that roof will still eventually fail and the cost to replace is much more expensive as the panels will have to be removed to complete the job. > > - Does the installing company take a look at the added weight to the roof of the structure? > > - > - Instances where I would be concerned are significant snow, and in the instance of a structure fire. > > - It is not a lot of weight. I am sure that the installer would take take load into consideration but your roof will be fine. I can’t speak for fire but if you really care I will text my brother who writes the policies for situations like this. > > - Have the panels gotten good enough to provide an ROI compared to their initial cost? Especially in our area where we can go days without seeing direct sunlight & clear skies. > > - Yes. they have come a long way. The payback is still not as good as say a commercial lighting retrofit but it is there. A lot of people choose to lease the equipment and basically you are feeding back the grid and getting paid for that as well as generating your electricity. In most cases your bill will be significantly reduced or gone using this method. > [/LIST] The biggest factor is a south facing roof. The more unobstructed surface you have facing south the better off you will be. ---
**Author:** ![slo\_ride](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/49beb7/32.png) [@slo\_ride](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/slo_ride)\ **Post date:** [January 5, 2016, 5:15pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/8 "2016-01-05T17:15:19Z")
Have you considered any of the leasing programs? No upfront cost, no liability, no maintenance- but you still get a bill usually ---
**Author:** ![Geehee](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/geehee/32/7238_2.png) [@Geehee](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Geehee)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2016, 5:12am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/9 "2016-01-06T05:12:44Z")
> [@tpgsr](#): > > Also CVM Electric. They are not as deep in the game as CIR, but I can’t say enough good things about Carlo or Tre over at CVM. It finally hit me where I know Carlo from, I used to handle his vzw account. Good dude :tup: ---
**Author:** ![rugsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rugsr/32/7474_2.png) [@rugsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/rugsr)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2016, 5:19am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/10 "2016-01-06T05:19:55Z")
Thanks, I was just talking about going solar. My neighbor did and he loves it. I dont know many details about the system etc but his bill was cut more then 50%. I believe he went with CIR too. I asked about taking them off and putting them back on when the need comes and he said the Rep told him its a simple process for an installer. They are installed on a rail system and slide/lock into place. ---
**Author:** ![JayS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jays/32/15375_2.png) [@JayS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2016, 5:25am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/11 "2016-01-06T05:25:10Z")
My neighbor across the street is a sales manager for Solar Liberty and has a system on his house. I’ve been wanting to stop over and talk to him about getting a quote together for my house so I could run some numbers on it and see how the ROI looks. ---
**Author:** ![rugsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/rugsr/32/7474_2.png) [@rugsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/rugsr)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2016, 5:29am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/12 "2016-01-06T05:29:39Z")
Please do! ---
**Author:** ![tpgsr](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/tpgsr/32/7374_2.png) [@tpgsr](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/tpgsr)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2016, 5:41am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/13 "2016-01-06T05:41:51Z")
I sent Darrin over at CIR Solar a link to this thread and hopefully he or one of his associates can get on here and answer any questions that you guys have. ---
**Author:** ![JayS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jays/32/15375_2.png) [@JayS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2016, 5:43am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/14 "2016-01-06T05:43:41Z")
From what little research I’ve done it looks like a solid investment, at least while the state and federal subsidies are in effect. The system should pay for itself at least half way before it’s estimated end of life. I’ll know more once I get some solid numbers though. ---
**Author:** ![POOPRA](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/poopra/32/7188_2.png) [@POOPRA](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/POOPRA)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2016, 6:05am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/15 "2016-01-06T06:05:55Z")
Not that I am considering this, but it just seems like it would be hard to recoup your investment just with the savings on electric. ---
**Author:** ![JayS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jays/32/15375_2.png) [@JayS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2016, 6:13am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/16 "2016-01-06T06:13:43Z")
> [@POOPRA](#): > > Not that I am considering this, but it just seems like it would be hard to recoup your investment just with the savings on electric. My electric bill is $100/month on average. $15k system, - 55% in federal and state subsidies = $6750 out of pocket. If it averages paying for 80% of my electric bill (which from what I’ve been told in passing it should do easily) = 960/yr in savings. 7 years the electric savings have paid for the $6750 I spent out of pocket. The systems are supposed to last 20-25 years. Even if you only get 15 out of it in those 8 years of service where it’s already paid for the system will MAKE you a little over $7680. The best part? These numbers are all assuming the cost per kilowatt for electricity isn’t going to rise over the next 15 years. What do you think the chances of that happening are? For every cent electricity costs go up the numbers look better for installing solar panels. Plus the benefit of increasing your home’s value. Now I need to talk to my neighbor and see if $15k will put a 4kW system on my house or not. ---
**Author:** ![Onyx\_Z32](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onyx_z32/32/7581_2.png) [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2016, 6:28am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/17 "2016-01-06T06:28:08Z")
One of my neighbors had their garage covered in panels last year. It’s a massive garage though. I have a good amount of space for them, but my southern neighbor has a huge old tree which shades 90% of it. ---
**Author:** ![POOPRA](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/poopra/32/7188_2.png) [@POOPRA](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/POOPRA)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2016, 6:31am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/18 "2016-01-06T06:31:43Z")
I guess i makes more sense with that math, my electric bills are significantly less than yours. ---
**Author:** ![Onyx\_Z32](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/onyx_z32/32/7581_2.png) [@Onyx\_Z32](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Onyx_Z32)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2016, 6:35am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/19 "2016-01-06T06:35:44Z")
> [@POOPRA](#): > > I guess i makes more sense with that math, my electric bills are significantly less than yours. Do you need any insulation, windows, or other home improvements done that could be performed through NYSERDA and added to your electric bill as an on-bill loan? Get those things done then have the solar pay for it? ---
**Author:** ![Scott](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/scott/32/7603_2.png) [@Scott](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Scott)\ **Post date:** [January 6, 2016, 7:10am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463/20 "2016-01-06T07:10:35Z")
In this area electricity is too cheap to recoup any significant return in any reasonable amount of time. [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/going-solar/273463.md?page=2)