Solar Panels for Challenging Roofs in NYC

NYC homeowners are often told by other contractors that they can’t go solar because their flat roofs have too much shade, too much stuff, or not enough space. Brooklyn SolarWorks has pioneered two innovative design methods that maximize solar project potential – even for “difficult” roofs that other companies simply can’t figure out.

Our patented, award-winning Brooklyn Solar Canopy elevates systems over the most obstructed surfaces, maximizing solar performance on otherwise unworkable or flat roofs. Our smaller Tilt Rack installations, mounted closer to the surface, are designed to nimbly work around hatches, skylights and other common barriers for lower demand customers. With both options at our disposal, we say “yes” when other companies say “no.”

Solar modules pitched and positioned to work around hatches and skylights.

Shade from a neighbor, HVAC equipment and lots of dunnage. Solar could not happen on this Lefferts Gardens roof without a Brooklyn Solar Canopy.

A canopy in Clinton Hill elevates above a neighbor's bulkhead to clear shade.

Two tilt rack solar systems designed around hatches and sky lights (Lefferts Gardens).

A compact 5 panel "array" designed to fit into an open roof corner. We fit solar wherever it can fit on a roof, given space and fire code constraints.

Value

Solar incentives and sky high electricity rates make NYC one of the best solar markets in the country. Rebates and tax credits can cover up to 70% or more of gross costs for most projects.

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For full details scroll over the different incentives.

Federal Solar Income Tax Credit

26% of solar system costs can be claimed as a federal income credit. The total credit can be divided among shareholders and owners on a unit equity basis. The credits can be divided over multiple tax years if a client is unable to fully utilize it in a single year. The federal solar income tax credit, which was scheduled to drop from 26% to 22% in 2021, will stay at 26% for two more years. It is expected to drop to 22% in 2023 and 0% in 2024.

Your Out-of-Pocket Cost
Up to 70% Covered

NYC Solar Property Tax Abatement

20% of solar system 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. As of August 2020, the NYC PTA has been extended until 2023.

NYS Solar Income Tax Credit

Residential solar owners can claim a $5000 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.

NYS Solar Rebate

New York State residential 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 residential projects in New York City, the state rebate is currently $.20 per Watt of solar installed.

Federal Solar Income Tax Credit

Your Out-of-Pocket Cost

Up to 70% Covered

NYC Solar Property Tax Abatement

NYS Solar Income Tax Credit

NYS Solar Rebate

Let’s Talk

Discuss the numbers with a BSW Consultant today.

Payback Period

5-8 Years

Avg. 25-Year Savings

$35,000-$45,000

Increased Property Resale Value

Avg. 5.4% (Zillow.com)

Low Cost Financing Options

Let’s Talk

Discuss the numbers with a BSW Consultant today.

BSW
Insurance Package

We’re committed to your system’s performance, monitoring, and payback.

We’ve got you, and your roof, covered.

30-Year Total
System Warranty

All BSW solor systems come with an industry leading 30-year warranty that covers all aspects of the system including the panels and inverter.

Power Production
Guarantee

We guarantee your solar production. If your system fails to perform as expected, BSW will 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.

Completion Timeline

Average project completion time from contract signing: 2-3 Months

Scroll over project steps for full details.

Assessment & Proposal

Project Initiation
(1 Month)

Permit Application
(1 Month)

System Installation
(1-3 Days)

Inspection & Meter Swap
(2 Weeks)

Tax Season

Assessment & Proposal

BSW survey specialist completes 1-hour home assessment; You review project proposal with BSW solar consultant, and discuss tax credit eligibility with your accountant

Project Initiation
(1 Month)

You choose solar system size, sign contract, pay $3,000 down payment; BSW drafts project plan set and completes professional engineering review.

Permit Application
(1 Month)

BSW submits stamped plan set and building and electrical permit application to NYC Department of Buildings; awaits approval.

System Installation
(1-3 Days)

You schedule convenient day/time & pay remaining installation fee; BSW orders equipment, installs solar system at your home.

Inspection & Meter Swap
(2 Weeks)

BSW schedules ConEd meter swap and DOB electrical and building inspections; You provide access for swap and inspections (1 hour each).

Tax Season

BSW supplies state and federal tax forms; You claim our solar tax credits (& repay bridge loan if needed)

Customer Experience

“You cannot make a process like this any easier for the customer and I deal with process and clients at scale for a living. These guys are an A+ on all fronts. The information that they give you to make the decision in the first place is smart, quick, easy to digest and they live up to the expectations they set. The team is cool and quick to respond to any/all questions.

The way they handle EVERYTHING, I feel like I just sat back and let them do everything other than cut the check. They way projects like this should feel but few are able to pull off. Even the complicated approval process between the permits, DOB inspections, load-bearing hurdles, nothing was left to me to figure out. I have had window salesman provide less in return. BSW is fantastic, I am so proud to have done this for my family and I. Every time its sunny outside and I see that gorgeous canopy (the extra bit of $ for the black powder coat was worth it IMHO) I sit back and think "soak it in yo, soak it in."”

Timm C., Carroll Gardens

“It was a completely amazing experience to work with all the people at Brooklyn SolarWorks. We've worked with a lot of contractors on our brownstone in BedStuy, and the experience is usually stressful at best, but with Brooklyn Solar Works it was completely the opposite, great communication, fantastic work and friendly staff. 1000% recommended!!!!”

Dave J., Bedford Stuyvesant

“This company is absolutely top notch. I've researched various companies and was told my property wasn't suitable for solar. Not the answer I got from BK SolarWorks. They study and check out your property, come up with creative solutions and execute it swiftly and professionally.

For what it is a somewhat complex process they make it as easy as it can get from helping to secure loans to navigating and giving tips with the tax refunds.

After I spent 1 1/2 years renovating my house, dealing with various contractors and headaches, Brooklyn Solar Works was the most relaxed and secure I felt in a long time. Zero drama, 0 headaches and all promises fullfilled ahead of schedule!”

Vinz F., Bedford Stuyvesant

“I had solar panels installed on my roof in December 2016. The first solar company that I called told me that you could not put solar panels on a flat roof -- not true. I called Brooklyn Solar Works and they told me that's basically all they do. They were extremely professional. They were busy, but responsive, and they did a great job handling everything from paperwork to installation. It was a terrific experience. Everyone who owns a brownstone or a building should put solar panels on their roofs. It makes a huge impact on fossil fuel consumption, and tax credits covered around 70% of the cost. The system they designed for me will pay for itself in around 5 years and is projected to save $50,000 over the next 25 years. There is really no good reason not to do this.”

Brett L., Bedford Stuyvesant

“....The team at Brooklyn Solarworks were amazing! We ran into trouble a couple of years ago with another company and it fell apart due to their immense lack of interest, care and commitment to communicating. We were naturally nervous to start this process again but it couldn't have been a better one.

Brooklyn Solarworks were courteous, friendly, knowledgeable, insightful and above all, passionate about their industry. We are thrilled to finally have solar on our roof and are very happy to be able to do our part in moving away from fossil fuels and enjoy green electricity in our home. Thanks so much guys!”

Ben M., Bedford Stuyvesant

“To make a long story short, after one company approached us about solar panels and then told us it wasn't possible to put them on a flat roof, I discovered Brooklyn Solarworks online. They quickly let us know that not only could we "go solar" but that many of our neighbors already had. They walked us through the process--including financing and rebates--step by step, and within a few months, we had solar panels and unbelievably low Con Ed bills. I can't praise Brooklyn Solarworks highly enough. They answered all our questions and everyone we met with is knowledgable, skilled, and friendly. It's a win-win-win outcome: good for our pocketbooks, good for this terrific little company, and, most important, good for the environment.”

Deborah M., Prospect-Lefferts Gardens

Solar Panels for Challenging Roofs in NYC

Value

Let’s Talk

Let’s Talk

BSW Insurance Package

30-Year Total System Warranty

Power Production Guarantee

24/7 Real-Time Monitoring

Completion Timeline

Customer Experience

Anatomy of a Solar System

Learn More

BSW
Insurance Package

30-Year Total
System Warranty

Power Production
Guarantee

24/7 Real-Time
Monitoring