Solar Panels for Landmarked Homes in Brooklyn
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.




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 below.
Your Out-of-Pocket Cost
Up to 70% Covered
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
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Ask us about the Historic Homeownership Tax Credit.
If you’re in an income qualified historic district you could be eligible for an additional 20% state tax credit!
5-8 Years
$35,000-$45,000
Avg. 5.4% (Zillow.com)
Let’s Talk
Ask us about the Historic Homeownership Tax Credit.
If you’re in an income qualified historic district you could be eligible for an additional 20% state tax credit!
Investment Security
All BSW solar systems come with an industry leading 30-year umbrella warranty that covers all aspects of the installation. This is an addition to the comprehensive 25-year panel warranty offered by LG on all panels.
The SMA Sunny Boy inverter, an industry leading product and BSW’s go to inverter, is covered by a 30-year extended warranty.
In addition to the 30-year warranty offered by SolarInsure, BSW offers a 10 year warranty on all materials and services performed, including roof penetrations. Any necessary repairs required during that period will be promptly performed at BSW’s expense.
BSW guarantees that solar systems will produce at least 95% of the projected estimates that are included in your contract during the first 10 years of the system’s operating life. If annual system production falls below this guarantee BSW provides cash compensation for underperformance. This is offered by BSW in addition to LG’s power production guarantee.
All BSW installed systems automatically report performance data every few minutes to our monitoring staff, who will be notified of any irregularities. The monitoring team actively reviews system performance data monthly to ensure the system is producing as designed. All customers can also track performance data themselves on their computer or tablet via their individual monitoring portal.
Completion Timeline
Average project completion time from contract signing: 4 -5 Months
Scroll over project steps for full details.
Assessment & Proposal

Project Initiation
(1 Month)

Landmarks Approval
(4-6 Weeks)

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.
Landmarks Approval
(4-6 Weeks)
BSW completes landmarks survey, submits visibility summary and approval request to LPC; makes revisions (if necessary)
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
“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.