Ground-Mounted Solar

Dollars & Sense

• Incentives: NY-Sun helps you save money on your solar installation.
• Federal tax credits: Cover 30% of the cost for your project.
• Low-interest loans: Get loans starting at 4% to help finance your solar project.
• State tax credits: Get 25% NY State tax credits up to $5,000.
• Lower your energy bills with solar energy generated from your panels.

Benefits & Considerations

• Savings: Lower your monthly energy bills with credits for the solar energy you produce.
• Flexibility: Get the most out of the sun’s energy with ground-mounted solar panels that can be placed in the best area on your property.
• Cleaner: Get your energy from a cleaner source instead of burning fossil fuels like oil, propane or natural gas.

Questions for Your Contractor

• Is my property a good candidate for ground-mounted solar? Do I have enough land space?
• What type of ground-mounted solar panel system will work best at my home? Standard ground mounts or a pole-mounted system?
• How many panels will I need for my home?
• How do I maintain my solar panels, and how long will they last?
• Who services my panels if they need it? What happens if they (or you) go out of business?
• What can I do to extend the lifespan of the system?
• What payment options do you offer for the panels?
• Should I install the panels with tracking capabilities?
• What warranty or guarantee do you provide for your work?
• What should I do if I have an issue with my panels?
• Can you please provide references?

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of ground-mounted systems are available?

There are two basic types of ground-mounted solar systems: standard ground mounts and pole-mounted. Standard ground mounts use metal framing to hold your solar panels at a fixed angle. Pole-mounted systems support multiple solar panels on a single pole, raising the panels higher off the ground, and can also include the option to follow the sun.

How far can ground-mounted solar panels be from my home?

Ground-mounted panels can be placed anywhere on your property. However, the farther your home is from the panel, the more wiring you’ll need, which can increase the cost of the project.

If I have solar panels, will I have power during a blackout?

If you have solar panels without a battery that is connected to your utility, your panels won’t work during a power outage. You can add an energy storage system to power your important electricity needs during an outage.

Can I get paid for my solar energy?

Electric utilities will credit your bill for the power your panels generate. You’ll only pay for electricity if you use more than your panels create during the month. Any additional electricity your panels make in each month will become a credit on your next electric bill.

How long will my solar panels last?

You can expect your solar panels to last approximately 20 to 25 years. Before you go solar, we recommend you talk to your contractor for tips on how to take care of your panels to extend the lifespan of your system as well as who to contact should you ever need service.