Can You Install Rooftop Solar in NYC? Everything You Need to Know

In New York City, rooftops work hard. They double as gardens, store HVAC equipment, and provide emergency access for firefighters. Can they really do all that and support solar panels? 

Absolutely—with the right design. 

At Brooklyn SolarWorks, we design custom home solar solutions specifically for NYC roofs. We work around (and above) challenges to make solar not just possible, but practical for city homes. 

If you’re thinking about installing rooftop solar in NYC, we wrote this guide for you. It covers everything you need to know about your design options, permitting requirements, and the installation process. 

Rooftop Solar Design Options for NYC Homes

Rooftop solar installation in NYC is complicated for a few reasons: 

• Your roof may be flat with limited space or obstructions like skylights
• You have to meet strict code and fire safety requirements 
• Your home may be in a historic neighborhood with strict aesthetic standards

At Brooklyn SolarWorks, we embrace these challenges and design custom solutions to overcome them. Our team will survey your roof and recommend the best fit, which could be: 

Solar Canopies 

Solar canopies make solar viable for most flat roofs. We install our own, patented canopy that we designed specifically for NYC rooftops. It raises your solar panels nine feet above your roof, meeting fire code requirements while creating shaded, usable space underneath. 

Solar canopies are ideal for homes with flat roofs, including: 

• Brownstones 
• Townhouses 
• Rowhouses 

See a solar canopy in action! This Brooklyn brownstone is offsetting 93% of its electricity usage with a custom solar canopy installed by Brooklyn SolarWorks. 

Tilt Racks 

Tilt racks allow us to mount solar panels at a specific angle, creating better sunlight access on a flat roof. The tilt racks we install are discreet and low-profile, making them almost invisible from street level. To keep fire paths clear, we split the arrays into sections. 

Tilt racks can be a great option for:

• Flat roofs 
• Historic and landmarked homes 
• Co-ops and condos 

Ballasted Solar Panels 

Ballasted systems use weighted bases to secure solar panels to the roof, instead of bolting them in. This method is non-invasive with minimal roof penetrations needed. 

Ballasted solar systems are ideal for: 

• Large flat roofs 
• Multi-family buildings 
• Co-ops and condos 

Traditional Solar Mounts 

If you have a pitched roof, a standard solar mounting system is likely the best fit. Standard mounts allow us to install solar panels flush with your roof’s surface for a sleek, unobtrusive look. 

Traditional solar mounts are best for: 

• Pitched or sloped roofs 

What to Expect During the Installation Process 

Going solar with Brooklyn SolarWorks is a streamlined process completed by our in-house, Brooklyn-based team.

Here’s what you can expect during the solar installation process: 

1. Free Consultation – Start with a free consultation and to learn more about rooftop solar and whether it’s a good fit for your home. 
2. Assessment – We assess your roof and gather the information needed to design your system using satellite imagery and digital tools.
3. Proposal – You’ll receive a custom solar design and project proposal to review.
4. Contract & Permitting – Once you sign, we handle all city permits and keep you updated throughout the process. 
5. Installation – Most installations are completed in just 1 day by our in-house installation team.
6. Inspections – We’ll handle final inspections with the Department of Buildings and Con Edison. Then, we’ll turn your system on! 
7. 24/7 Monitoring – We monitor your system 24/7 to ensure performance. You can also track performance through your personal monitoring portal.
8. Guaranteed Production – We back your system with an industry-leading, 30-year warranty. And, we guarantee production for 10 years. If your system fails to perform as expected, we’ll pay you the full Con Ed rate to make up the difference. 

Solar Permitting Requirements in New York City 

Installing rooftop solar in NYC means working with some of the most complex building codes in the country. 

We’ve spent years mastering the city’s codes, zoning laws, and permitting requirements. Our team handles the entire process, and you can easily track progress through your customer portal. 

Here’s a basic overview of what’s required. 

Department of Building Permits 

Every solar project in NYC must be approved by the Department of Buildings (DOB). As a local New York City solar installer, we know city code inside and out. We’ll make sure your installation is compliant and obtain all the necessary permits for your project. 

Landmarks Preservation Commission Permit 

If your home is in a historic district or landmarked, you’ll need an extra layer of approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). Our team has worked on over 600 landmarked homes, and we know how to design systems that meet LPC guidelines. 

Utility Interconnection Approval

Before we can turn your system on, it must be approved by Con Edison and connected to the electric grid. This process, called interconnection, ensures your system is safely connected to the grid and set up for net metering. We’ll manage interconnection from start to finish, including submitting all necessary documentation and coordinating inspections with Con Ed. 

Solar Net Metering with Con Edison

Net metering is one of the best incentives for rooftop solar in NYC. Here’s how it works: 

1. As a residential solar customer of Con Edison, your house will remain connected to the electric grid.
2. When your solar panels produce extra electricity that your house doesn’t need, the excess is sent to the grid. 
3. Con Edison credits you for the electricity you send to the grid. 
4. You can use your credit to offset the cost of electricity you buy from the grid at night, when your solar panels can’t produce electricity. 

In New York, we’re lucky to have 1:1 net metering. That means Con Ed credits you at the full retail rate for the electricity you send to the grid. 

See if Rooftop Solar Panels Make Sense for Your Home 

New York City is a great place to go solar, and Brooklyn SolarWorks makes it easy. We offer free consultations and can help you decide whether rooftop solar is a good fit for your home.

Get started with a free consultation for rooftop solar installation in New York City. Call 929-977-0058 or schedule now!