Ballast Solar System Installation for New York

A ballast solar system is a type of rooftop solar installation that does not require drilling or roof anchors to attach the panels. The system is instead secured with weighted blocks, usually concrete, that are laid on the roof. It is a great option for flat roofs, which are common on homes all over New York City.

With no penetrations of the roof, installation is less invasive and typically faster than traditional methods. It also leaves your roof’s waterproofing intact and your warranty intact. The weight is specially designed to keep the system anchored through wind, snow, and other tough NYC weather conditions. For those homeowners who want the benefits of solar without the hassle of structural changes, a ballast-mounted system is one of the most hassle-free systems on the market.

Yes, ballast-mounted solar panels can be installed on residential buildings, and in NYC, they’re actually one of the most preferred options for homeowners with flat roofs. These systems are designed to rest on top of the roof using weighted mounts, which means no drilling and no impact on the structure beneath. For homes in the city, especially row houses and low-rise multifamily buildings, this makes installation faster, simpler, and far less invasive.

Many NYC homeowners who install ballast systems see real savings in their first year. Depending on your energy usage and the size of the system, it’s not uncommon to cut annual electricity costs by $1,200 to $2,000. Over time, that adds up to tens of thousands in savings, without ever touching your roof with a drill. If you’re looking for a clean energy upgrade that’s both efficient and low-risk, a ballast-mounted system is one of the smartest investments you can make in a city like New York.

Ballast-mounted solar systems are relatively easy to maintain, which is one of the reasons why so many NYC homeowners opt for them. Because nothing is drilled into the roof, there’s less long-term danger and keeping things in good condition just requires a little regular care.

• Basic maintenance – NYC grime does build up over time. Rain will take care of it most of the time, but a light panel wash every couple of months, especially during dry or dusty seasons, can keep it running consistently.
• After-storm inspection – If there has been a severe storm or high winds, it’s a good idea to check and make sure the panels and ballast blocks have not shifted. The racking is designed to stay put, but it never hurts to double-check.
• Yearly inspection – Once a year, having someone visit to inspect wiring, connections, and mounting hardware is a great idea. It’s quick and ensures you that everything is still tight and whirring.
• Monitor performance – Most solar panels will have an app or monitoring program. Keeping tabs on your production numbers from time to time keeps you aware of any dips before they become an issue.
• Clean the area – NYC roofs may be littered with debris, leaves, trash pieces, or whatever the wind brings onto the roof. Cleaning anything that might accumulate around the panels or clog drainage is a good idea.

With Solar Pro, you’re not left to figure this out yourself. We offer support and maintenance packages in case you ever do need help down the line, but overall, these systems just work. No fuss, no lengthy maintenance, just reliable performance year in and year out.

Yes, ballast solar systems are fully NYC building code compliant. When we install a ballast-mounted system on your roof, we ensure it meets all local building codes, such as wind, snow load, and structural. This is significant for New York’s unique weather patterns and urban environment, where buildings need to be able to withstand both heavy snows and high winds.

• NYC Building Code (2014 Section 1510) – Prescribes rooftop solar panel system specifications, such as snow load and wind load calculations.
• NYC Zoning Resolution (Section 33-20) – Deals with rooftop structure controls and that your system will not infringe on air rights or neighboring property.
• Fire Safety Code (Section 1503) – Offers fire safety codes that your solar system has to adhere to in order to ensure your system is free from electrical hazards.

Other than fulfilling code demands, installing a ballast system in NYC makes you eligible for some rebates and incentives that can reduce your starting costs by quite a lot. For example:

• NY-Sun Program – This state incentive can cover up to 50% of the cost of installation, depending on system size and your location.
• Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) – Provides a 26% tax credit on the cost of your system, including installation, through 2022.
• Con Edison Rebates – Con Edison usually provides additional rebates for homeowners in specific NYC neighborhoods, potentially saving up to $500 or more.

With these solar savings and rebates, a typical NYC homeowner could potentially save several thousand dollars on their installation. For example, with the combination of NY-Sun and the Federal ITC, a $15,000 solar installation would be as little as $7,500 after incentives.