Commercial Solar Systems Allow Property Owners to Convert Unused Roof Space into Long-Term Cost Stability
Lower Costs
Lower your energy bills starting month 1
Increased Value
Use power you generate & avoid utility hikes
Reduced Dependency
Cut your reliance on traditional energy sources
Power Up
Charge your EV from the comfort of your home
More businesses across Western New York are turning to commercial solar to take control of rising energy costs and plan for long-term stability. And their decision is simple – gain greater control over energy costs, reduce operating expenses, and turn their building into a more valuable, income-producing asset. For many business owners, it’s not just about lowering this month’s utility bill – it’s about planning ahead, protecting against rising rates, and creating long-term stability for their business.
Explore Your Home Solar Options
There are two primary ways of bringing the benefits of solar to your home
Rooftop Solar
The roof over your head can do more than shield you from the weather – it can also generate a ton of electricity.
Roof-mounted solar panels keeps them out of sight, positions them at a height where trees or other buildings are less likely to block the sun’s rays, and is a practical use of space not typically used for anything else.
Rooftop solar is a great option for most property owners, but we’ll only install it if conditions are right:
- The right amount of roof space, and at an orientation and angle for optimal sun exposure
- Free from too much shade from trees or nearby structures
- Structurally sound roof that doesn’t need maintenance or replacing
Rooftop solar is the most common type of installation.
Every house has a roof, and it’s likely that roof can generate electricity. And even if you choose to finance, your loan
is often less than your current electric bill, so you’re saving money starting month one.
✓ Otherwise unused space now generates electricity
✓ Reduce grid dependency with battery storage
✓Minimally visible & a boost to your property value
✓ We’ll only install if a system makes sense for you
Ground-Mount Solar Installations
Ground-mounted solar is an excellent option if a rooftop system doesn’t make sense for your property.
There are a couple of variations for ground-mounted solar. One is a standard ground mount, where solar panels are secured to a stationary metal frame close to the ground.
The other option is pole mounting, which often incorporates solar tracking. Both choices have several advantages:
- Optimal positioning towards the sun – and often times even solar tracking
- No space limitations, meaning as many panels – and as much power – as you want
- Easily avoid shading by picking an ideal location
- No roof upgrade needed
If you have the land, ground solar might be your best option.
Ground-mounted solar systems offer unparalleled flexibility and efficiency by allowing optimal panel positioning and the use of tracking systems. This setup ensures higher power production and faster energy savings.
✓ Greater control over panel positioning
✓ Optimization with a solar tracking system
✓ Better power production by following the sun
✓ Higher energy savings achieved more quickly
Our Energy Advisers Can Help You Decide Which Setup is Best for You
Home Solar Qualifications
Determining whether or not your home is a good candidate for solar depends on a few factors.
Let’s take a look at what you should consider when qualifying your home for solar:
What’s Your Monthly Electric Bill?
Your current electricity bill is the largest factor in determining how much you’ll save by installing solar.
Start Saving from Day 1
Our estimates incorporate local electricity rates and 30 years of weather data to project your savings and payback period. Providing a customized estimate of what you can expect to save and how quickly your investment will pay off.
With this information, you’ll see your savings starting from the very first month.
Does Your Roof Have Southern Exposure?
The ideal location for solar panels is a lightly pitched, south-facing roof without obstructions like chimneys or vents. East- and west-facing roofs are also effective, receiving ample sunlight in the morning and evening.
However, if your roof faces north or has limited unobstructed space, your home may not be suitable for solar panels.
If space allows, ground mounts could be a viable alternative. They offer optimal pitch and orientation to maximize sunlight capture for the solar array.
For a quick answer now, take our short quiz to find out if solar is right for you
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Home Solar Costs
Installation prices will vary depending on a number of factors. The type of installation and the equipment you
choose are the two largest price differentiators.
Grants, Incentives, and Costs
Initial system costs can be substantially reduced with the following state incentives:
- 25% State Tax Credit
- NYSERDA’s Low- to Moderate-Income Program
- NYSERDA’s Residential Energy Storage Incentive
Typically, tier 1 modules come standard with a 25- to 30-year manufacturer’s warranty.
PLUS, you might automatically be eligible for lower interest financing based on location.
Check out NYSERDA’s Residential Interest Rates map to see if your area is eligible.
Net-Metering
Most people wonder how we make solar work in Buffalo and Rochester, and the answer is simple: Net Metering
Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits customers on their utility bill with the production from their solar energy system.
These credits roll over from month to month until their anniversary date, which will be changed to April 1st. This method allows us to take advantage of the seasonality that is a reality in WNY, which means that the credits you accumulate during summer may roll over when you have a deficit of credits during the winter.
Learn more about financing your home solar system in our Solar Panel Cost page.
For a quick answer now, take our short quiz to find out if solar is right for you
Learn more about financing your home solar system
Learn More About Commercial Solar Panels
Are you interested in learning more about residential solar? Read one of our free resources:
Residential Solar FAQs
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Do Solar Panels Ruin Your Roof?
If properly installed and flashed by a professional, a solar system should not damage the existing roof structure.
The purpose of flashing a solar array is to create a watertight seal that protects the home from moisture and leak damage. There will also be a third party structural analysis conducted to ensure that the roof structure can handle the active weight, wind, and snow loads of the solar array.
If anything, the panels are protecting the roof structure below from sun damage and will potentially expand the lifespan of asphalt shingles especially.
Need more answers? Contact us today.
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How Do You Generate Electricity From Solar Energy at Home?
Sunlight particles called photons are absorbed by photovoltaic (PV) cells in solar panels. These particles then flow through the semi-conductive materials in the panels, creating energy that’s captured by wiring inside the panels to create direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts DC electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity, which is what powers homes.
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What is the Installation Process Like?
The installation process starts with site design and inspection, includes things like permitting and financing, and wraps up when your system is installed and turned on. Learn more about our solar panel installation process here.
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How Much Do Solar Panels Cost for My Home?
Costs vary depending on what type of panels and how many are used in your solar installation. Learn more about our solar panel costs here.
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How Many Solar Panels Do You Need to Power a House?
This number varies greatly depending on panel type, energy usage, and layout. The average number of panels on a WNY home is roughly 30. Use our satellite estimate tool to discover how many panels you need for your home.
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How Much Residential Solar Battery Storage is Required?
No storage is required due to NYS net metering.