Solar Panels for Landmarked Homes in NYC
New York City has some of the most stringent historic preservation rules in the country, and Brooklyn is home to many neighborhoods with a high number of homes with landmark designation. For these homes solar installations must be completely invisible from all angles on street level, front and back.
Landmark status used to be considered disqualifying for solar. Not anymore. That’s because BSW has developed zero visibility installation methods, and has mastered the City’s complex landmarks design and application rules. As a result solar is not only possible on these formerly “no go” properties; but landmarked homes are now among our most common project types in Park Slope, Bedford Stuyvesant, Sunset Park and other historic neighborhoods.




Customer Experience
“BSW is a great company to work with. They are knowledgeable, honest, hard-working, committed, have integrity and communicate well. They had great references including among flat-roof homeowners in the Brooklyn historic districts, like ourselves. I really liked that BSW would guarantee a level of solar production sufficient to match the business case in their proposal - that makes the decision virtually risk-free for the homeowner. BSW completed the system design and permitting process (including Landmarks approvals) faster than expected. . . Our system has now been operational close to 3 months during the shortest and coldest days of the year (Dec, Jan, Feb), and we've generated nearly all our electric usage during that time. I expect the solar panels will more than fully cover our usage once there is more daylight in spring & summer. I'm a very happy customer, and I recommend BSW without hesitation.”
“These folks are great - everything about the experience was absolutely top-notch! When we bought our house in Prospect-Lefferts Garden four years ago, I looked into going solar, but, was frankly super confused by all the different information I found on-line. The Brooklyn SolarWorks folks explained the entire solar process, including all the tax breaks and loans available. They handled the rebate paperwork, all the permitting (including the Landmarks Commission permit), the install, and all the post install inspections. They were always available to answer questions, and were always extremely pleasant to work with. I really can't say enough nice things about them. If you are in Brooklyn and wanting to put your roof to work or concerned about the environment (or both), these are absolutely the folks to call.”
“BSW was a wonderful company to work with. We were very excited about going solar but we had many questions about the possible risks given that the initial outlay can be significant. BSW very patiently and straight-forwardly answered our questions over a period of weeks as we decided whether to go forward. Each step of the way, from designing the right system for us, to Landmarks and DOB permits to install and final sign-off, they were there for us as promised. They are clearly passionate about the solar revolution and they did their work with utmost respect for our space. They met and exceeded our expectations and gave us full confidence all the way through. And they helped explain the tax and related credits both before, during and after our work with them. These folks are real specialists in the historic Brooklyn market. They're the folks to go with!”
Anatomy of a Solar System
Residential solar systems are surprisingly simple, consisting of only a few main components located on the roof and in the basement. BSW’s experienced installation team can complete a typical project in just one day with minimal disruption to your home and routine.