Solar for Commercial Buildings in NYC
Runaway ConEd bills can be an outsize factor for any local business owner’s bottom line. Commercial solar in New York can both lower energy costs and make them more predictable, while communicating a clear environmental commitment to an increasingly climate conscious public.
Solar Design Options for Commercial Buildings
Commercial Solar Installation Process
Assessment and Proposal
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1 WEEK A solar consultant will assess your building and its energy needs, and our designers will develop a solar proposal. You’ll review your project proposal and discuss tax credit eligibility with your accountant.
Project Initiation
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1 MONTH Sign your contract and pay a down payment. We’ll draft a project plan set and complete a professional engineering review.
Permit Application
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4-6 MONTHS Plans are drafted and your permit application is prepared. Once ready, it is submitted to the NYC Department of Buildings.
4-6 WEEKS If your building is landmarked, we have an extra step to take. We’ll complete a landmarks survey of your building. Once complete, we’ll submit a visibility summary and approval request to the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
System Installation
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3-5 DAYS You choose a convenient day for the project to begin. We’ll arrive early and begin installation. Once installation is complete, you’ll be invoiced for the remaining project cost.
Inspections
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2 WEEKS We’ll schedule final inspections with Con Edison and the Department of Buildings.
Tax Season
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We’ll supply state and federal tax forms. You claim your solar tax credits when you file your taxes.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF YOUR SOLAR INSTALLATION
Whether you’re still considering solar or you’re gearing up for your installation, check out this video for a glimpse into what you can expect on the day of your solar installation.
NYC Commercial Solar Incentives
Building owners can take advantage of local and state tax credits to help offset the cost of a commercial solar installation.
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NYC SOLAR PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT
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NYS SOLAR REBATE (PER WATT)
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Federal Solar Income Tax Credit
Accelerated Depreciation (MACRS)
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SAVE OVER 65% OF YOUR OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS
Learn More
For full details, click on the incentives above.
NYC Solar Property Tax Abatement
30% of your solar installation costs can be claimed as a local property tax abatement with the NYC Department of Finance. The abatement is divided into annual 5% installments over a four year cycle.
NYS SOLAR REBATE
New York State solar projects receive a rebate that reduces their upfront contract price. The rebate declines over time based on the amount of solar installed in different regions of the state. For commercial projects in New York City, the state rebate is currently $0.50 per Watt of solar installed.
Federal Solar Income Tax Credit
30% of your solar installation costs can be claimed as a federal income tax credit. The total credit can be divided among shareholders and owners on a unit equity basis. The credit can be divided over multiple tax years if a client is unable to fully utilize it in a single year. Your building must start construction by July 4, 2026 to qualify.
Accelerated Depreciation (MACRS)
Accelerated Depreciation under MACRS allows businesses to depreciate their solar energy systems over a shorter period, typically five years, instead of the traditional longer depreciation schedule. Talk to your accountant or tax professional to fully understand how MACRS can benefit your specific financial situation.
Save Over 60% of Your Out-of-Pocket Costs
Going solar in NYC is more affordable than you think. New York City has some of the best financial incentives for solar in the country. Through federal, state, and local tax credits and rebates, the cost of your solar panel installation could be covered by more than 60%.
SOLAR CAN HELP YOU COMPLY WITH LL97
If you’re the owner of a commercial building in New York City, you may be subject to NYC Local Law 97. Passed in 2019, this law sets stringent standards for reducing the greenhouse gas emissions of large buildings throughout the city.
Solar energy can help you work towards compliance and avoid future penalties.
Cost of a Commercial Solar Installation in NYC
The cost of commercial solar installations in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the size of the system, the complexity of the installation, and any additional features or services required.
Thanks to the incentives available at the federal, state, and local levels, you can expect your project costs to be covered around 50%. When you go solar with us, your customized project cost includes equipment, installation, permitting, and our warranty package.
Our Work
Commercial Solar Case Study
NYC’S FIRST SOLAR POWERED ICE CREAM SHOP
The owners of Emack and Bolio’s in Fort Greene sought solar solutions because they knew the benefits were two-fold: not only could they reduce their energy bills — which were high due to running several freezers 24/7 — but they could also further their mission to be a sustainable business.
In 2022, it became the city’s first solar powered ice cream shop when we installed their 10.8 kW solar canopy.
This 26 kW system powers a performing arts space, The Mercury Store, in Gowanus.
An 8.6 kW solar canopy installation at the bakery & cafe L'imprimerie in Bushwick.
An 11 kW solar canopy installation at Yogis & Yoginis' Shantideva Center in Park Slope.
A 16 kW solar array on Colossal Media Group's Newtown Creek shop in Williamsburg.
A 32 kW tilt rack installation on our Gowanus headquarters. The electricity generated by the system is credited directly to our team members' monthly ConEd bills using community solar.
A hybrid tilt and canopy solar system installed on Workforce Housing Group's headquarters in Long Island City.
Solar System Warranty
With a comprehensive warranty package available, we’ve got you and your roof covered.
25 Year Equipment Warranty
Our 25-year equipment warranty ensures your solar panels and system inverter are covered by the manufacturers for decades, guaranteeing lasting performance and peace of mind.
10 Year Workmanship Warranty
Our 10-year workmanship warranty covers all materials and services performed, including roof penetrations.
Power Production
Guarantee
We guarantee your solar production. If your system fails to perform as expected, we’ll provide cash compensation to cover the loss in savings.
24/7 Real-Time
Monitoring
Systems report performance data to our monitoring staff who are notified if irregularities occur. Data is reviewed monthly to ensure systems are producing as designed. Customers can also track performance via their individual monitoring portal.
New York Commercial Solar Power FAQs
What are the benefits of commercial solar in New York City?
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Solar power offers businesses in New York City cost savings through reduced electricity bills, financial incentives, and long-term stability in energy costs. It provides environmental benefits by reducing your building’s carbon footprint and helping to improve air quality. Businesses also benefit from an enhanced brand image and attracting environmentally conscious customers.
How much does commercial solar cost?
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The cost of a commercial solar installation varies depending on the size of the system, the design, the complexity of the project, and other factors. When you work with us, we’ll provide a fully customized quote specific to your building and energy needs. Schedule a consultation to get started!
Does my commercial property qualify for solar panels?
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There are a few important factors that affect a building’s solar compatibility, including the size of the roof, your roof’s sun exposure, and what your energy needs are. We will assess all of these factors when preparing your proposal.
How will the solar system be maintained and monitored?
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We provide 24/7 system monitoring as part of our warranty package. Our team monitors our fleet constantly to ensure all of our systems are online and fully operational. With our workmanship warranty, we also provide maintenance should any issues arise. We will require a working internet connection in the building to provide monitoring.
Can solar panels power an entire commercial building?
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While it is possible to power an entire building in New York City with solar panels, the specific circumstances of each building – including your energy consumption, available roof space, and regulatory considerations – will ultimately determine your system’s offset. Regardless of the total offset, solar can make a meaningful impact by reducing and stabilizing your energy costs.
Do solar panels increase commercial property value?
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Investing in energy efficiency and sustainability measures like solar power can have a positive impact on your property value. Sustainability is a valuable selling point in today’s market because greater energy efficiency implies lower utility bills for tenants and buyers. In fact, home solar has been proven to increase property resale value in NYC by up to 5%.
Do solar tax credits apply to commercial buildings?
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Commercial building owners can claim a 30% property tax abatement from the NYC Department of Finance. Additionally, commercial projects benefit from a $1.00 per Watt rebate from New York State.
Find out if solar is right for your building
Solar is an excellent solution for commercial building owners in NYC who want to reduce both their energy costs and their building’s carbon footprint. With rich incentives available, now is truly a great time to make solar a reality for your building.
Talk with us today to learn more about your building’s options and how to get started with solar!