Go big with solar in Smallbany

The state of solar in Albany

With around 184 sunny days per year and a U.V. index of 3.5,^*Best Places. Climate in Albany, NY. March 2021. roughly 84% of the rooftops in Albany are solar viable,^*Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018) a point that's clearly paid off. Albany has seen an increase in installed solar generation capacity of over 1,300% since 2013.^*N.Y. Solar Map. Solar Statistics for Albany. December 2020.

How much solar energy does Albany produce?

Albany had a cumulative total of 69.97 MW of installed solar power in 2020, up from 4.99 MW in 2013, with 2,868 completed solar projects and 55 still in progress.^*N.Y. Solar Map. Solar Statistics for Albany. December 2020. Albany County is committed to becoming "the Greenest County in New York State" and was the first municipality to earn the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Clean Energy Community designation way back in 2017.

What are the advantages of going solar in Albany?

Since the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act became law in 2019 with an aim to bring 6,000 MW of distributed solar online in New York state by 2025, a wealth of solar incentives have become available.

Those incentives, along with Albany's relatively sunny climate, often make going solar pencil out financially. The average residential solar system can result in roughly $15,000 in savings over 20 years and may pay for itself in less than a decade.^*Energy Sage. Solar Panels in Albany. March 2021.

Beyond financial gain, going solar offers significant benefits for the environment, including helping to reduce air pollution by reducing the need for coal, oil, and other fossil fuels used in typical grid electricity. Google's Project Sunroof estimates that if all 21,900 solar viable rooftops in the city were utilized, the electricity sector would produce 176,000 fewer megatons of carbon dioxide per year, the equivalent of taking 37,200 cars off the road in the same timeframe.^*Source: Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018).

How much does solar cost in Albany?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Available roof space

• Shaded roof space

• Local weather

• Household's energy needs

• Quality of the solar system

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources, for thousands of homeowners across the country. ^*Local Installers 2020/2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In Albany, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $14,100 to $42,200, or in other words, from $2.82 to $8.44 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

In addition to the 30% federal tax credit, New York offers a few statewide incentives:^*Incentives, rebates, and tax credits vary and are subject to change. SunPower does not warrant, guarantee or otherwise advise its customers about specific tax outcomes or their ability to qualify for local incentives. Consult your tax advisor regarding the solar tax credit and how it applies to your specific circumstances. Your SunPower Dealer can help you determine incentives available in your area. You can also visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.

• 25% State Income Tax Credit: Homeowners can claim a nonrefundable credit of up to $5,000 on their state income taxes for qualified solar equipment. The credit can be carried over for up to five years.

• The Megawatt Block Incentive Structure: Supplies an up-front dollars-per-watt rebate for home and business solar panel systems. The rate per watt varies by location and the current "block" status. The program steps down as blocks progress. As of March 2021, Upstate New York was in block 8, with a 35 cent per watt rebate. For a 5-kWh system, that would equate to $1,750.

What is the best way to go solar in Albany?

The best design, panel type, and system size for your home will depend on a range of factors. To maximize system efficiency and your return on investment, the first step in going solar in Albany is to find an installer with the experience to get the job done right.

A reputable solar company like SunPower will help you choose the perfect solar system through in-person or online consultations and custom solar designs. During your consultation, before signing a contract, you should receive a system design, monthly electric bill savings estimate, price quote, and an overview of available incentives and tax credits.

When you're ready, we'll guide you through the entire process of going solar in Albany. Request a consultation with one of our solar experts below to start the process of switching to clean solar energy. We'll contact you to schedule a good time for the consultation. Of course, you're also welcome to call us directly at (800) 786-7693 any time.