Solar Panels for Construction Projects in NYC
Whether you’re gut renovating a brownstone or constructing a completely new build, our Specialty Projects team is here to provide solar solutions. We coordinate directly with Architects, General Contractors, and Engineers to integrate solar panels into complex construction projects.
Solar panels can be a great addition to your project plans, and may be required by law in New York City. Talk to our experts to learn more about your solar options.
Our Project Specialties
We work with a wide range of building types and construction projects to successfully integrate solar energy. Coordinating with us early on in the process ensures open communication and effective planning and design.
Residential Renovations
Integrating solar into residential renovations enhances energy efficiency and sustainability, adding long-term value to homes.
Solar also helps offset future electric costs from any electrical upgrades or new appliances installed during the renovation.
Commercial Renovations
Energy-efficiency will become necessary for commercial buildings in the near future, with owners facing penalties for non-compliance.
Incorporating solar into your commercial renovation increases energy-efficiency while reducing operational costs and enhancing sustainability for businesses.
New Developments
New construction can benefit from solar by boosting energy efficiency and reducing costs, improving the marketability of the building.
Per the latest NYC 2022 building code, solar is required for all new buildings.
Solar Design Options for Construction Projects
We provide a variety of structures to work with for any given roof layout. Depending on the roof scale and assembly, we can coordinate with Architects and Engineers to make sure solar is implemented in a feasible and beneficial way.
NYC Local Laws & Solar Installation
Requirements for solar and sustainable building design are becoming a mainstay in New York City building code. Your renovation or new construction project may require solar integration.
Local Law 92 & 94
Passed in 2019 and added to NYC building code in 2022, this local law requires a minimum 4kW of solar on designated sustainable roofing zone areas for projects with major alterations to an existing roof or completely new roof construction.
Local Law 97
This local law places carbon emissions limits on buildings larger than 25,000 square feet. Each building’s carbon limit depends on its size, property type, and compliance year. Solar can play a huge part in effectively reducing a building’s carbon footprint.
Local Law 154
This local law set CO2 limits that effectively prohibit fossil fuel systems in new buildings and gut renovations. This requirement went into effect in 2024 for buildings under 7 stories, and will go into effect in 2027 for taller buildings. Solar is an efficient, cost-effective way to power all-electric heating and appliances.
Certificate of Occupancy
For Architectural renovations requiring a modified or new Certificate of Occupancy, solar is required prior to the Final C of O. It’s worth noting that a solar filing can be open while you obtain a Temporary C of O.
Our Process
Our goal is to provide end-to-end support throughout your project. Here’s a glimpse at our process for providing solar solutions for renovations and construction projects.
Assessment and Proposal
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You’ll submit a project design request and send us your project plans, ideally including all related trades such as Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing drawings. We encourage you to get in touch with us as early in the project as possible. A solar consultant will assess your building and its energy needs, and our designers will develop a solar proposal.
Project Initiation
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We’ll have a virtual kickoff call with the Architect, GC, Engineer, and Owner (and any other necessary contractors) to review open design items and project timeline. This meeting establishes overall expectations as well as any open design-related issues to ensure a seamless permitting and installation process.
Drafting & Permitting
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Planset is drafted and your permit application is prepared. Site visits are allotted at various project milestones to confirm as-built dimensions prior to scheduled installation. Once ready, the permit application is submitted to the NYC Department of Buildings.
If applicable, we’ll complete a landmarks survey and temporary mock-up of your solar array. Once complete, we’ll submit a visibility summary and approval request to the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Site Preparation
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A site preparation mission is factored in prior to installation. This includes internal conduit run or roof attachments prior to final roof membrane/insulation.
System Installation
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Once we’ve obtained the building permit, we’ll reach out to the Architect and/or General Contractor to schedule the installation. Depending on the building and project size, installation will take 1-5 days.
Inspections & Commissioning
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At the electrical inspection, our technicians will confirm the system is commissioned and connected to WiFi for monitoring.
At times, we may delay inspection to return for work completion, based on site conditions and permissions. Once the system is operational, we’ll set up monitoring app credentials with the owner.
Project Sign Off
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We’ll file for final approval from city agencies, including Con Edison, NYSERDA and DOB. This takes about 6-8 weeks (or 8-10 weeks for Landmarked properties).
Tax Season
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We’ll supply state and federal tax forms for the owner to complete with their accountant. The owner claims their solar tax credits when they file their taxes.
NYC Solar Incentives
Residential and commercial property owners can take advantage of city and state tax credits to help offset the cost of a solar installation.
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NYC SOLAR PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT
$
K
NYS SOLAR INCOME TAX CREDIT
Accelerated Depreciation (MACRS)
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SAVE AROUND 50% OF YOUR OUT OF POCKET COSTS
Learn More
For full details, click on the incentives above.
NYC SOLAR PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT
Around 30% of solar installation costs can be claimed as a local property tax abatement with the NYC Department of Finance. The abatement is divided into annual installments over a four year cycle.
NYS Solar Income Tax Credit
Residential solar owners can claim a $5,000 tax credit on their New York State income taxes. The credit can be divided over multiple tax years if a client is unable to fully utilize it in a single year.
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 AROUND 50% 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 residential solar in the country. Through federal, state, and local tax credits and rebates, the cost of your solar panel installation could be around 50% incentivized.
Our Work
A 50kW black powder-coated solar canopy system powering Ferrara Manufacturing’s newest facility in Astoria.
A 6kW system for a renovated landmarked property in Cobble Hill. This was a collaboration with Brooklyn Studio.
A 17kW system for a renovated commercial property in Gowanus. This was a collaboration with Baxt Ingui.
A 6.8kW system for a renovated landmarked property in Cobble Hill. This was a collaboration with Brooklyn Studio.
A 6.3 kW system for a renovated home in Park Slope. This was a collaboration with PJoe Construction.
Meet the Specialty Projects Team
When you work with us, you’ll benefit from dedicated solar design and installation consulting throughout the course of your renovation or construction project. Our comprehensive support allows adaptability and close collaboration with other contractors on the project.
Sean Velez
Project Developer
Cait Eggers
Senior Project Architect
Dan Gorka
Construction Manager
Integrating Solar into Construction Projects: FAQs
Is solar required for new construction in NYC?
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Local Laws 92 and 94 in NYC require that new buildings and major roof renovations include a sustainable roofing zone. This zone must be covered with either solar photovoltaic panels or a green roof system to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, supporting the city’s environmental goals.
What’s the best way to maximize solar energy production for the building?
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The best way to maximize solar is to get in touch with us as soon as possible in the project. The earlier we can be involved, the better we can plan and design a system that optimizes energy production. With an optimal system, the owner of the building will benefit from maximal savings.
What factors should be considered when designing with solar in mind?
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If you’re an architect or developer interested in adding solar to your project, it’s important to be mindful of the placement of roof obstructions and HVAC equipment. You should also consider making bulkheads structural and install roof decking over any insulating layers for solar attachment.
How will solar panels affect the aesthetics of my project?
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We will adapt the design of your solar system to meet your aesthetic preferences. Our Brooklyn Solar Canopy is a patented, award winning design that can enhance building design and create recreational rooftop space. For a more subtle look, we also offer low and zero visibility options.
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 our systems are online and fully operational. We will require a working internet connection in the building to provide monitoring. We also provide a 30-year warranty that covers all aspects of the system, including the panels and inverter.
How will the solar system be connected to the building’s electrical system?
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For renovations and new builds, we will install an internal conduit run while the interior walls are open. This enables the solar system to connect to the building’s upgraded electrical system.
What permits and approvals are required for installing solar panels?
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Installing solar panels in NYC requires obtaining permits and approvals from the Department of Buildings (DOB), the FDNY, Con Edison, and NYSERDA. Depending on the building’s landmark or historic designation, approval from NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Landmarks Preservation Commission may be required. When you work with us, we’ll handle all of the filing and inspections necessary for solar installation.
How does the solar contribute to the building's overall sustainability goals?
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Solar energy is a great way for buildings to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and enhance energy efficiency. For buildings subject to Local Law 97, solar is a great option to reduce carbon emissions and work towards compliance. On average, a Brooklyn SolarWorks customer offsets 11,758 pounds of CO2 emissions annually – an impact that’s equivalent to planting 138 trees every year.
Add Solar Power to Your Next Project
With local laws increasingly mandating solar integration, now is the perfect time to explore your options. Our Specialty Projects team is here to seamlessly incorporate solar solutions into your renovation or new development. Work with us to ensure your construction project is compliant, sustainable, and future-ready.
Let’s make your vision a reality. Request a project design today to get started!