Presentation to discuss state energy goals, potential issues
A free community presentation, “Can New York Combat Climate Change Without Destroying Communities?” will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the Litchfield Town Hall, 804 Cedarville Road.
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The Truth About Solar Panels
Presentation to discuss state energy goals, potential issues
ILION — A free community presentation, “Can New York Combat Climate Change Without Destroying Communities?” will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the Litchfield Town Hall, 804 Cedarville Road.
Presenters Dennis Higgins and Keith Schue will speak about the New York State Climate Action Plan. New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates that the state’s electric grid be carbon-free by 2040.
Event organizers say there are significant potential local impacts, including that a wind developer is working to secure 20,000 acres in Herkimer and Oneida counties to build an industrial wind operation, while a solar developer is working to secure 2,200 acres for solar panels along with the requisite battery storage in Columbia in Herkimer County. Higgins and Schue contend the state’s analysis ignores not only the ecological impact of such a massive buildout of wind and solar energy projects but also the cost to ratepayers.
They will also discuss New York’s current accelerated renewable-energy siting process, which some say allows companies and state officials to ignore full environmental review and local laws in order to site industrial solar and wind projects, effectively voiding home rule.
Accelerated siting allows giant companies to cover forests and farms with solar panels and massive wind turbines, threatening rural economies, the environment, and Upstate New York quality of life, event organizers claim.
Higgins is a retired college professor and resides in Otego. He taught mathematics and computer science at the University of Scranton, St. Lawrence University, and SUNY Oneonta. He has been involved in regional energy issues for over a decade, the announcement said.
Schue, a resident of Cherry Valley, has a master’s degree in engineering and worked in the private sector for 15 years. Before moving to New York, he was employed with the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy on issues relating to the impacts of human development and infrastructure on ecosystems. He has been engaged in New York’s energy policy since 2010, and currently volunteers as a technical advisor for New York Energy Climate Advocates. He has provided technical input on the federal Clean Power Plan, NYS Energy Plan, NYS Clean Energy Standard, industry regulations, legislation, and various projects, the announcement added.
Presentation to discuss state energy goals, potential issues
A free community presentation, “Can New York Combat Climate Change Without Destroying Communities?” will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the Litchfield Town Hall, 804 Cedarville Road.
Digital Access
- Unlimited access to URSentinel.com
- Unlimited access to Sentinel apps
- Unlimited access to our Daily e-Edition
- Audio-assisted reader
- View options
Print Digital
- Newspaper delivery. Daily or Weekend options
- Money Saving Coupons
- Unlimited access to romesentinel.com
- Unlimited access to all RSC apps
- Unlimited access to our daily e-Edition
- Audio-assisted reader
- View options
Presentation to discuss state energy goals, potential issues
ILION — A free community presentation, “Can New York Combat Climate Change Without Destroying Communities?” will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the Litchfield Town Hall, 804 Cedarville Road.
Presenters Dennis Higgins and Keith Schue will speak about the New York State Climate Action Plan. New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandates that the state’s electric grid be carbon-free by 2040.
Event organizers say there are significant potential local impacts, including that a wind developer is working to secure 20,000 acres in Herkimer and Oneida counties to build an industrial wind operation, while a solar developer is working to secure 2,200 acres for solar panels along with the requisite battery storage in Columbia in Herkimer County. Higgins and Schue contend the state’s analysis ignores not only the ecological impact of such a massive buildout of wind and solar energy projects but also the cost to ratepayers.
They will also discuss New York’s current accelerated renewable-energy siting process, which some say allows companies and state officials to ignore full environmental review and local laws in order to site industrial solar and wind projects, effectively voiding home rule.
Accelerated siting allows giant companies to cover forests and farms with solar panels and massive wind turbines, threatening rural economies, the environment, and Upstate New York quality of life, event organizers claim.
Higgins is a retired college professor and resides in Otego. He taught mathematics and computer science at the University of Scranton, St. Lawrence University, and SUNY Oneonta. He has been involved in regional energy issues for over a decade, the announcement said.
Schue, a resident of Cherry Valley, has a master’s degree in engineering and worked in the private sector for 15 years. Before moving to New York, he was employed with the Florida Chapter of The Nature Conservancy on issues relating to the impacts of human development and infrastructure on ecosystems. He has been engaged in New York’s energy policy since 2010, and currently volunteers as a technical advisor for New York Energy Climate Advocates. He has provided technical input on the federal Clean Power Plan, NYS Energy Plan, NYS Clean Energy Standard, industry regulations, legislation, and various projects, the announcement added.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Each State?
Solar panel costs can vary according to your state’s energy rates and access to solar technology. Check the table below to get an idea of what solar panels might cost you in your state.
Solar Panel Cost Breakdown
EnergySage estimates that the national average cost for a typical 6-kilowatt (kW, or 6,000 watts) residential rooftop solar system is roughly 20,650 before any federal tax credits or local incentives. Overall, you should expect to pay anywhere between 17,430 and 23,870, depending on your system size and location. The total cost of a solar system includes solar panel. which vary in price by brand and type, installation labor, and additional equipment. A solar installation company will charge a combination of labor costs and a price per watt for each solar panel. Based on a June 2023 report.
Types of Solar Panels
- Monocrystalline: The most popular solar panel on the market today, monocrystalline panels offer the highest efficiency rate, at an average of 24%. However, they are also the most costly. The average cost for monocrystalline solar panels is 450 to 450.50 per watt. Therefore, a standard 6kW system costs between 6,000 and 9,000.
- Polycrystalline: Polycrystalline panels are a more cost-effective option up front. However, they feature a lower efficiency rate than mono panels, at an average of 20%. The average cost for polycrystalline solar panels is
Other Factors to Consider About Solar Panel Costs
In addition to the cost per watt for each solar panel, other factors influence the overall cost of a solar power system. We have listed some of the most critical factors for you below.
Energy Needs
Take note of your current cost of electricity. as switching to solar may or may not save you money on your energy costs. The larger your home and higher your monthly electric bill. the more benefits you are likely to see from switching to solar. A solar system can eliminate a homeowner ’s electricity bill in some instances.
On the other hand, if you already have relatively low utility bills. you may not see enough savings to justify the expense of installing a home solar system.
Location
The location of your home plays a vital role in how much money solar panels can save you. Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the data analysis site Stacker determined that the following 10 states are the sunniest in the continental United States:
Roof Type
You can use a solar panel system even if you don’t live in these blue-sky states. Most solar panel installers use photovoltaic (PV) panels, which can absorb both direct and indirect sunlight. However, these solar panels generate the most energy on angled roofs that allow maximum sun exposure. On the other hand, a flat roof will require the construction of angled platforms, which will add to your labor costs and increase the overall cost of your solar system installation.
Additionally, south-, west- or southwest-facing roofs get more sun exposure. For example, a home that experiences less shade and has a south-facing roof with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees will receive the most sunlight. Therefore, these homes receive and retain more solar energy. On the other hand, a home with trees around it or in a less sunny region, like the Pacific Northwest, may not save as much money as a homeowner in Arizona or California.
Your roof’s age and structural soundness will also influence the overall cost of solar panel installation. Repairing your roof or upgrading your roofing material to support panels will come at an additional expense ahead of installation and affect your total cost.
Solar Incentives
Both state and federal governments provide solar incentives to help offset the up-front costs of switching to solar. Namely, the federal solar tax credit, or solar investment tax credit ( ITC ), plays a significant role in helping to make residential solar panels a better investment. This tax credit provides 30% off your total price of solar panel installation.
Local incentives vary by state. For example, some states allow you to earn and sell credits for the electricity your solar system produces through a net metering program. Others offer solar rebates. We recommend using the Database of State Incentives for Renewables Efficiency to see what rebates and state tax credits you can receive.
Payment Options
Solar providers offer various payment methods that influence how cost-effective your investment in solar is. Here are the four payment options you can choose from with most solar companies :
- Purchase: Paying for your solar system up-front is the most cost-effective payment method for a solar system. Not only will you avoid paying interest over time, but you will also be eligible to file for the federal tax credit at your next income-tax filing.
- Solar Loan: Solar companies understand that not every homeowner is willing or able to pay for their system up-front. so they partner with a lending company to provide loan options. As with all bank loans, your interest rate will depend on your credit score.
- Solar Lease: Some homeowners may elect to lease their solar panel systems. With this arrangement, the solar company still owns the system, and you pay a set monthly amount for the installed solar panels. This option is not as cost-effective over time as purchasing or financing your system, as you are not eligible to receive state or federal incentives. However, you avoid paying hefty up-front sums.
- Power Purchase Agreement (PPA): A solar PPA lets you pay little to nothing for the actual installation of the PV system. Instead, you pay monthly payments to a utility company based on the energy generated by the system. Think of this as if you are paying for your usual electricity bill. As with a lease, you don’t own the system and are thus ineligible for tax incentives.
.90 to 450 per watt, or 5,400 to 6, total for a 6 kW system.
Our Recommendation
Residential solar panels help you cut both your electricity costs and carbon emissions. To ensure switching to solar is a sound investment for you, pay attention to your current utility rates. If you notice that your utility bill tends to be on the mid to upper end of your state’s average, you are nearly guaranteed to save money with solar in the long run.
In addition, if you can purchase or finance your solar system. you are making a more cost-effective decision than if you lease or sign a PPA.
We suggest using the tool below to see which solar installation companies service your zip code and get a sense of what a solar provider near you charges for installation.
.70 to 450 per watt. That’s roughly 4,200 to 6,000 total for a 6 kW system.
Solar Panel Installation Cost
Installation costs—including labor and permits—average around 25% of the cost of the solar panel system itself. So, for example, if you purchase a 6-kW monocrystalline solar panel system for 20,000, then a solar installation company will likely charge approximately around 25,000 for the system and the installation, combined. The installation of a larger system will naturally increase labor costs.
Additional Equipment
Residential solar systems also typically require a battery to store energy and an inverter, which converts the variable direct current (DC) output of your PV solar panel s into alternating current (AC). Most solar companies will include these components in your solar system’s design. However, if you request specific brands of inverters or batteries, they may come at a premium.
Use
As mentioned, most DIY solar panel projects are not meant to replace traditional energy sources. They offer the ability to supplement power from the grid or power smaller spaces like an RV or a tiny home. But for a full-size home, a professionally installed solar system is likely best.
Why Solar Panels Aren’t Unfair or a Scam
There are some settings that are ideal for a DIY solar project. If you have a garage or shed that requires electricity, you can go off the grid and keep it powered with solar panels. DIY solar panels often offer a bit more flexibility in size and placement, so they can be set up in an alignment that works best for you in these settings. DIY solar panels are also useful as a backup option if you were to lose power for the electrical grid, as long as you have a functional solar battery to store the generated power.
Maintenance
Solar panels typically last about 25 years, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be issues along the way. DIY solar panels in particular can be subject to requiring maintenance because the quality is not guaranteed.
Perhaps you tried to save in your up-front costs and purchased cheaper panels that are more susceptible to wear and tear. Unfortunately, you can end up being on your own in replacing them. Unless a failure falls under the warranty of the manufacturer, you may have to replace the panel on your own. It’s much easier to accidentally void the warranty if you’re installing the panels yourself, as well.
Oftentimes, professionally installed panels come with some sort of warranty from the company that does the installation. They will be able to service any issue that you may be experiencing, and may even cover the cost.
Decide what is best for your home
DIY solar panels can make for a fun project and a functional feature for your home, offering additional electricity from a renewable energy source. However, these panels are better served for smaller spaces like sheds or tiny homes. If you are looking to ditch the grid entirely and power your whole home with solar energy, consider a professional installation. It may cost more upfront, but the additional benefits of an expert installation, support in case of future failure, and access to full tax incentives may end up paying for itself over time.