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July 28, 2008
Solar Panels on a Brownstone?
We are about to embark on a renovation and I am toying with the idea of installing solar panels. Has anyone done this? What do we need to know?
Comments
Lots.
sustainableflatbush.org had a forum last week with an actual install described by P Landy, and also info from SolarOne,org. You could check with Anne at sfb to see if you can contact them or get info.
From what I heard, the payback period is high, even with the latest rebates from NYSERDA (another website to look at.) ConEd is unhelpful (they don't want to have to buy the excess energy back as required by state law), city inspectors throw up their hands at the solar panels, etc. Landy installed a 5kw system (ims) which gives him a zero bill but he was only using $50-80/month before, which is about half mine.
While there's no roof changes needed, the panels have to be bolted down (wind uplift issues) so you either have to have a good roof or be prepared to reroof, as removing the panels to do a reroof is quite a job.
Posted by: cmu at July 28, 2008 2:10 PM
Speak with the folks at www.empowerces.com
I'm working with them to install 4KW of solar PV plus evacuated tube solar water heaters in Harlem and they have been great.
Good luck.
Posted by: nycontractor at July 28, 2008 2:23 PM
There are a variety of state tax incentives you may be able to take advantage of:
http://www.powernaturally.org/programs/solar/incentives.asp
As CMU mentioned, the all important thing to figure out is the payback period -- how long it will take before the savings from using sunpower will overtake the large upfront cost of the system. That depends to some extent on future rates, which aren't knowable, so it will involve some guesswork.
Also as CMU says, make sure your roof is in A-1 shape before you put them on, because you don't want to have to pull them off again.
If you want to get really futuristic, look into "Building-Integrated Photovoltaic" or BIPV, in which solar cells are embedded directly into window glass and roof tiles. Like here: http://www.pvresources.com/en/bipven.php
Posted by: slopenick at July 28, 2008 2:52 PM
Actually, Con Ed are very helpful if you bother to speak with them early on in your project. If you install a photovoltaic system, you are only allowed (by law) to generate what you consume, i.e. break even over the year so some months you may well sell back to Con Ed but other months you will consume. All the requirements are listed in the NYS SIR process guide. Con Ed also is required to check the system for operability.
Another thing I would also think about is using a reputable installer... Some of the installers currently operating in the area (not going to mention any names) are just glorified electricians, not engineers. Check to see their PE status or you could be asking for problems.
Posted by: BigBob at July 28, 2008 4:10 PM
thanks everyone for the advice. what is a "PE status"?
Posted by: pmmtenement at July 28, 2008 7:09 PM
"PE" means "professional engineer."
Posted by: an architect in Brooklyn at July 28, 2008 10:51 PM
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