It’s simple: to save money. We save our customers on average $1,000-3,000 per year in electricity costs. Furthermore, electrical rates are increasing at an average rate of 5% per year. By installing a solar electric system you are fixing in your electrical rate for the next 25 years. Why rent electricity from the utility company when you can own it yourself? Plus, a solar system has been proven to add $15,000-30,000 in value to your home. This is a home improvement like no other — it immediately saves you money, increases the value of your home, and the government will contribute significantly to the cost of the project. Get started here.
The #1 question! We’d like to give you a simple answer right here but honestly, the cost of your solar system depends on the optimal system size for your home — which in turn depends on how much electricity you use, how much sun your home gets, how large your roof is, and how high your utility rates are. However, we can give you a free estimate if you call us at 914-699-3366 or submit our free estimate form.
The amount of solar power you need — and the number of panels — depends on how much electricity you use. How much electricity you use, in turn, depends on your lifestyle, your appliances, and the energy efficiency of your home. To see how many panels you need, get your free estimate or call us at 914-699-3366.
Typical residential systems can be installed within 2-4 days. Commercial systems, depending on their size, can take anywhere from several weeks to a month or more.
There are multiple ways to finance a solar system. For example, you can use a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) program and SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) to help finance projects in Massachusetts and New Jersey. We will walk you through all the paperwork to get you the best financing possible. Also, we offer a no money out of pocket option. Our experts can easily explain all of the options available to you. Call us anytime at 914-699-3366.
Net metering allows any utility customer to send excess power back to the grid and gain credit for it. This allows you to generate excess solar power during the day and then exchange the credits for power from the grid at night. In this way, the grid can be thought of as a sort of battery. We will install a bi-directional meter free of charge to enable net metering.
Many of our customers have roofs that need repair. This does not stop you from getting solar — we take care of it before the panels go up. Also, we are happy to direct you to roofers who do a great job. In many cases, the cost of the roof repair can be bundled into the total cost of the solar system so that the same federal and state discounts that apply to solar will also apply to your roof re-do.
The panels will operate with lower efficiency when covered with snow. The panels will melt some snow with the heat that they generate, but heavy snow fall will need to be swept off in order to produce power. Because the roof is usually tilted and the panels are made of glass, the snow often slides off as well.
In every state, the federal government will pay for 30% of the cost of installation. Other incentives and rebates vary state-to-state. In New York and Massachusetts, the incentives are very good — state and federal tax credit can cover much of the cost of installation. To see which incentives are available in your state, contact us at 914-699-3366 or email us at info@americansolarpartners.com.
We do have options for storing power, but we do not install off-the-grid systems because the technology is not there yet. Getting off the grid currently requires expensive and inefficient battery systems, and off-the-grid systems are often ineligible for many credits and incentives.
The system is expected to last at least 30 years, and the solar panels have a 25-year warranty from the manufacturer. In addition, the inverter also comes complete with a 20 year warranty.
Very little maintenance is required, as there are no moving parts and the panels are tilted with the roof so that they shed the weather. They are made of sleek glass and aluminum, and snow will melt off of them with any exposure to light.
The panels are warranted for 25 years, which covers most of their normal life span. In the event of a malfunction, the manufacturer would replace them per warranty, just like any other household appliance.
Rule of thumb, 100 square feet (conservative estimate: 120 square feet) of usable roof space can facilitate 1kW of solar power.
No. The mounting system must be mounted flush to the roof portrait style (meaning the longest edge of the panel is vertical).
Yes. South-facing roofs produce the most power, but roofs facing most other directions are also completely viable for solar. We have many customers with roofs that do not face south. Fill out this form for a free assessment that will let you know whether solar is right for you.
Even the smallest amounts of shading on the solar modules can significantly reduce the output. Shading can be reduced by trimming nearby trees or shrubs.
Rainfall will have a self-cleaning effect. In case of heavy soiling, we recommend cleaning the modules with plenty of water from a hose and a gentle cleaning implement such as a sponge. Avoid using cleaning agents — these can be too harsh on the panels.
Yes, but the added weight is equivalent to another layer of shingles on your roof. Our solar systems are designed and installed within compliance of all structural and safety codes by experienced engineers and licensed contractors..
If you’re doing a roof mount, to secure the panels, we bolt them to the roof. We mount them flush with the shingles with steel flashing and seal them with layers of roof tar and sealant that shed water and actually add another layer of protection.
The additional costs for a ground mounted system are the structure needed for the ground-mount (basically, what your roof provides as a structure), and the conduit run if necessary.
Wherever it is convenient as long as it is in a cool, dry location. Excessive heat will reduce the lifespan of the inverter.
The panels become part of the house once installed, so they are covered under homeowners insurance.