Salt City heralds the era of solar energy

The state of solar in Syracuse

Syracuse is among the cloudiest cities in the U.S., and residents only enjoy 163 sunny days per year,^*Best Places. Climate in Syracuse. April 2021. but that hasn’t stopped the city from becoming a solar hotspot. About 75% of the rooftops in Syracuse are solar-viable,^*Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018). which leaves plenty of room for the city to meet its sustainability goals. Syracuse is in the process of updating its metrics but previously aimed to double its solar capacity of 61 kW in 2012, a goal it met.

How much solar energy does Syracuse produce?

Syracuse has a relatively limited installed solar capacity at 3.46 MW from 315 installations. However, that number has increased by more than 130% over the last five years and shows no sign of stopping.

Since the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act was signed into law in 2019, demand for viable solar space in Upstate New York has skyrocketed. Syracuse is no exception with multiple proposed developments in the area, such as 5 MW solar farms off Island, Totman, and Caughdenoy Roads, and a 3.8 MW array off Sentinel Heights Road.^*Syracuse.com. Why is cloudy Syracuse suddenly a solar farm magnet? May 2020.

What are the advantages of going solar in Syracuse?

Thanks to advancements in solar technology that allow for better energy production in cloudy weather, Syracusans who invest in a solar energy installation can still expect to see significant electricity savings. A 5 kW solar system has the potential to pay for itself in less than a decade and offer savings of upwards of $14,000 over 20 years.^*Energy Sage. Solar Panels in Syracuse, NY. April 2021.

You may be able to increase these savings by taking advantage of net metering.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. Net metering allows you to send any excess electricity your system generates back to National Grid USA for a credit on future electric bills or to offset energy used during times of low solar production. Going solar will also offer you improved energy independence, as your home is less likely to lose power during an outage or natural disaster.

How much does solar cost in Syracuse?

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

• Roof angle and shading

• Labor costs

• Quality of the solar system parts

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 Syracuse, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,850 to $42,200, or in other words, from $2.77 to $8.44 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

New York State residents may currently be eligible for tax credit equaling 25% of the solar system cost, capped at $5000.^*Incentives, rebates, and tax credits vary and are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) also offers state-funded financing programs for lower-income New Yorkers or citizens who are ineligible for a conventional loan. Loan amounts may be as high as $25,000, with repayment terms of 5, 10, or 15 years.

What’s the best way to go solar in Syracuse?

Solar power is enabling a growing share of Syracuse homes to switch to sustainable, clean energy. An effective solar system can help you save money and enjoy reduced utility bills for many years. However, keep in mind that not all solar systems perform equally well.

A reputable solar provider can help ensure you get a system that meets your needs and your budget with a comprehensive consultation. You'll get a system design, solar quote, electricity cost savings estimate, and overview of any available rebates, incentives, or tax credits.

Get started now by requesting a consultation with SunPower below. We'll contact you to find a time that works best with your schedule. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.