| Program Name: | NY-Sun (Solar Initiative) |
| Program Sponsor: | NYSERDA (State) |
| Program Type: | Rebates/Incentives |
| Technology: | Renewable Energy Systems |
| Eligibility: | Small Businesses and Non-Profit Organizations |
| Cost: | Free |
Description
NY-Sun is a public-private partnership. NY-Sun proposes to grow the solar industry and make solar technology more affordable for all New Yorkers. Community solar offers local and clean energy that can often offset a greater portion of the business’s electric bill with predictable rates and terms without the business having to install solar. Community solar is a collective array of panels installed in an offsite location, which produces energy. Almost anyone in the area can access it and receive credits toward their electric bills.
Benefits of Community Solar:
- The ability to go solar without having to install anything on your property
- Save money on the electric bill
- The support of clean, locally generated power
- The pay-as-you-go with subscription options (if available).
Eligibility
To be a part of a community solar project, your business just needs to have an account with an electric utility.
How the Program Works
- Find a community solar project in your area and ask about rates and subscription plans
- Subscribe to a plan that works for your business
- Save. Electricity will still be delivered by the utility, and your business will be credited for its portion of the community solar project right on the electric bill.
Homes and businesses taking part in community solar are often called members, and community solar developers determine which plans are available to their projects’ members. The most common options available are below.
Subscription plans are more common. Their benefits include:
- Little to no up-front costs
- Pay-as-you-go
- Shorter term options
Purchase plans include benefits such as:
- Ownership of panels at the community solar project site
- Availability of financing options
- Greater potential savings over time
- Ability to take advantage of tax credits.
NY-Sun has the expertise to help your business make the switch to solar. There are several resources such as:
- Solar Installation Options: Detailed information on which solar option is right for your business
- Solar Plus Energy Storage: Combine energy storage and solar to store excess energy generated by your solar arrays for later use
- Solar Financing Options: Detailed guidance on available financing options
- Contractor Selection: Step-by-step directions on what to do prior to contacting a contractor and how to select one
- Solar Land Lease Guidance: What to consider when deciding whether to lease your land for community solar arrays
For further information, visit NYSERDA’s Commercial Solar Incentives and Financing webpage.
Contact Information
NYSERDA
(866) 697-3732
communitysolar@nyserda.ny.gov