Solar Farms: Not Just for Big Businesses Anymore
You have probably seen them before: endless rows of solar panels soaking up the sun across open fields. Large-scale companies or utilities have conventionally used these solar farms to power a whole community. However, with Community Solar programs and advances in solar technology, one no longer has to be that corporate giant to tap into this resource. Homeowners throughout New York can share these solar farms’ energy bounty without necessarily installing a single panel on their own property.
What is Community Solar?
Think of it as the Airbnb of solar energy: everybody puts in a little, and everybody gets a little something back. Community solar allows multiple participants一including individual homeowners, renters, and businesses- to subscribe to receive operating benefits from a portion of the electricity produced by a single solar farm that’s close to the homes. The energy produced from your portion of the farm is pushed onto the grid, and you get credit for your share of your electric bill.
How it works:
- You buy a piece of a local solar farm.
- The energy produced by your piece is credited directly to your utility bill.
- You get all the benefits of solar energy with no installation and no maintenance hassles.
It’s perfect for those whose homes may not have suitable roof space, angle, or sun required for solar panels. It’s also great for renters or anyone looking for a hassle-free solar solution.
Ground-Mounted Solar: A Backyard Powerhouse
While community solar is a great option, sometimes the personal touch is more appealing to a homeowner. That is where ground-mounted solar comes into place. Instead of mounting panels on your roof, you can install a system right in your backyard and make it your own little solar power plant. This installation is very popular among homeowners who have space because it offers more flexibility and often higher efficiency than rooftop installations.
Why Choose Ground-Mounted Solar?
Flexibility and Optimal Placement
Unlike rooftop solar, ground-mounted systems can be installed in an open area and angled perfectly to capture maximum sun exposure. This flexibility lets it capture more sunlight, producing more electricity than a rooftop system with problematic angles or partial shading issues.
High Efficiency
The panels are usually more efficient because they can be set to the optimal angle to receive sun exposure without any obstruction by rooftop elements. This means your house gets more energy from the panels, translating to an even quicker payback period.
Easier Maintenance and Upgrades
Have you ever tried cleaning solar panels on your roof? It’s far from a Sunday stroll. One of the major advantages of ground-mounted systems is their accessibility, so cleaning and maintenance become very easy. Upgrading or expanding your system later on is far easier with a ground-mounted array than it would be with rooftop solar.
Is Ground-Mounted Solar Right for You?
The Space Requirement
Of course, to install a ground-mounted solar system, you need a decent amount of land, about 500 to 1,000 square feet of sunny, unobstructed space. This can be impossible if you live in an urban area or have a small yard. For those with rural or suburban properties, though, it is a great way to get all the benefits of solar energy without roof issues.
Custom Design
One of the great beauties of ground-mounted solar is its flexibility in design. You’re not limited by roof shape or space, so you can put up as many panels as needed to cover your energy needs. Plus, some systems come with tracking capabilities, and the panels will automatically adjust throughout the day according to the sun’s movements, allowing for maximum energy production.
Solar Farms vs. Ground-Mounted Solar: What’s the Difference?
You might be wondering exactly how solar farms differ from ground-mounted solar on your property. Here’s a basic breakdown:
Solar Farms
- Ownership: Solar farms are large-scale operations, usually owned and maintained by the actual solar companies or utilities.
- Location: Often far away from residential areas, serving several homes and businesses through community solar programs.
- Energy Distribution: You don’t own the panels but rather subscribe to a portion of the energy produced.
Ground-Mounted Solar at Home
- Ownership: You own the solar panels, and the system is installed on your property.
- Location: Panels are placed in your backyard or other open space on your property that works best.
- Energy Use: Energy produced goes directly to your home, and any excess goes back into the grid for credits.
Both options are great for New Yorkers looking to cut energy costs while going green, but it all depends on your available space and how involved you want to be in the system’s operation.
The New York Solar Scene: Timing Is Everything
New York has been at the forefront of renewable energy and now would be one of the best times to go solar because of the incentives offered. The NY-Sun initiative is an incentive program through which New Yorkers can get some financial assistance to offset the costs of going solar. Installing rooftop, ground-mounted, or even community solar is rather reasonable.
NY-Sun and Solar Incentives
NY-Sun is New York State’s clean energy program; it makes solar power more accessible to its residents and businesses. The program comprises a host of financial incentives and rebates that can substantially reduce the upfront burden. In addition, federal tax credits are available to homeowners up to as much as 30% of the costs for installing solar panels.
Here are a few perks for New Yorkers:
- State and federal tax credits to offset the cost of solar installations.
- There are no upfront costs for community solar subscriptions.
- Net metering programs that let you sell excess energy back to the grid for credit.
New York is setting the stage for a clean energy future, and now is the time for homeowners to participate.
Solar Farms: Powering the Future
Solar farms and ground-mounted solar are not mere buzzwords; they are the future. In New York, a state infamous for its consumption of fossil fuels, the shift to solar energy is a statement of sustainability and energy independence. Whether from a community solar program in your backyard or with a ground-mounted system, you are taking part in the clean energy revolution.
Ready to Soak Up the Sun?
Solar power is no longer a pipe dream reserved for big corporations or eco-warriors. Whether you subscribe to a community solar program or your property allows, it has never been a better time to install ground-mounted solar panels.
Solar Pro eliminates excessively high utility bills and invites clean, renewable energy into your life. From assisting in the smooth transition of solar farms, ground-mounted solar, or conventional installation of solar panels, we are here to help you with all your needs. Call us today, and let’s get started with this incredible energy resource!