Solar Panels Top New York City Roofs in Greater Numbers — Here's Why

Sponsored By Brooklyn SolarWorks

Brooklyn SolarWorks is a Gowanus-based solar design and installation firm specializing in residential flat roof solar for New York City.

Created By Brownstoner

For years, rooftop solar panels have been better suited for the suburbs. The city has too many flat roofs and obstructions like skylights, hatches, HVAC equipment, and required FDNY fire paths. Such unique features of the urban built environment were a poor fit for conventional business models.

Or so that’s what everybody thought.

In 2015, Brooklyn SolarWorks opened and endeavored to close this gap. And it’s been working, as city residents in greater numbers adopt solar energy. In 2022, Brooklyn SolarWorks saw a 33 percent increase year over year in kilowatts installed — their best year so far. Comparing last year to pre-pandemic levels, they installed 935 more kilowatts in 2022 than they did in 2019, an increase of 62 percent.

This has been achieved by mastering the city’s complex fire code, zoning, and permitting rules, which has informed new design and installation methods that match the unique characteristics of the local housing stock. The result is two design options: the Brooklyn Solar Canopy and tilt rack.

When you work with Brooklyn SolarWorks, you’ll receive a system that is custom designed to fit the unique features and needs of your home, so solar as a reality is within reach for many New York City homeowners.

For information on how to get started, visit the Brooklyn SolarWorks website.

[Photos via Brooklyn SolarWorks]