The Best Time to Get Solar? Now!
Getting Solar Now is Genius. Here's Why:
- Solar is Cheaper Than Ever to Install: An average-sized (15kW) residential system in Westchester would have cost $85,950* in 2015; today, it would cost $54,000 before tax credits.
- Here’s another way to look at it: in 2015, you would have had to pay $4.32 per watt; today, you’re paying just $3.60 per watt.
- Solar Technology is More Efficient Than Ever: Thanks to ever-improving technology, solar panels are 150% more efficient than they were in 2010.
- Dynamite Rebates and Incentives Are Available to Reduce Solar Costs. The Federal solar tax credit is 30% of the initial cost of the panels and installation. The New York State solar tax credit is 25% of the initial cost of the panel and installation, up to $5,000. But these credits will go away at the end of 2025, so acting now will save you tons of money. If your solar installation costs $54,000, your federal tax credit is $16,200, and your NY State tax credit is $5000, you’ll have a total of $21,200 in tax credits. Your installation will drop to $32,800.
*Every home is unique. To find out how much it would cost to get solar at your home, get a free custom solar consultation.
The Selfish Benefits & The Environmental Ones
- Save Money on Utility Bills: Solar is an upfront investment, but savings kick in quickly. On average, New Yorkers who get solar save about $77,844 on electricity over 25 years (the low-end lifetime of a solar panel). That’s more than $3,100 per year.
- Protection From Utility Price Hikes: When you make your own energy, you are less susceptible to volatile utility price fluctuations.
- Solar Panels Are Prettier Than Ever: Sleek, modern, and seamless designs are visually appealing, enhancing curb appeal.
- Energy Independence From the Grid: Create your own solar energy, and store it in a backup battery to power your home when the grid goes down.
- Higher Home Resale Value: Having a free and reliable source of energy 24/7/365 dramatically increases your home’s resale value—homes with solar in New York sell for an average of 10.8% more. Everyone wants a piece of solar savings!
- Healthier Home For Your Family: Removing fossil fuels (gas, oil, propane) from your property will protect your loved ones from indoor air pollution, gas leaks, toxic chemical exposure, and flammable chemicals.
- Lower Environmental Impact: Powering your home with renewable solar energy instead of fossil fuels has a huge positive impact on the planet. Over its 20-year lifespan, a typical residential solar system saves the carbon emissions equivalent to:
- Driving 472,000 miles
- Burning 24,000 gallons of gasoline
- Planting 5,500 trees
How to Get Started—the Easy Way!
Step One: Complete the brief Solarize Assessment Inquiry to receive a complimentary solar consultation.
Step Two: Chat with Your Solar Consultant
Sustainable Westchester’s Solar Consultants will walk you through the results of your solar assessment, help you understand how many panels you need to power your home, and how much money you can save with rebates. (Last chance to save 30% on solar through Federal rebates, due to the “Big, Beautiful Bill” passing. Get your solar contract signed before October 1st, 2025, to save big on solar.)
Step Three: Receive Competitive proposals from pre-qualified installers
Sustainable Westchester will provide you with proposals from vetted installers, as well as financing options.
Step Four: Get Solar, Start Saving Money and the Planet!
Once you’ve chosen your installer, they’ll move quickly to install your panels (the clock is ticking to take advantage of the solar rebates and incentives).
According to NYSERDA and the US Energy Information Administration, a Westchester homeowner installing a 15 kW solar system will see a return on their investment in 4-12 years, depending on the size of their house (the bigger their home, the quicker their return on investment).
Here’s what that could look like:
- 1500 sqft home = 9 year ROI
- 3000 sqft home = 3.6 year ROI
- 6000 sqft home = 2 year ROI
Free Energy—Forever
Bedford 2030 sat down with David Pogue—CBS Sunday Morning Correspondent, seven-time Emmy Award winner, tech and science writer, Bedford 2030 board member, and “eco-dude”—to talk about his experience ‘going solar’ at his home in Bedford, NY.
Hear from a Bedford neighbor as he busts common myths and explains how, because of his panels, his energy bills are in the negatives.
Solar for Shady Yards & Renters
If you’re a renter or you have too many glorious trees to generate solar power on your property, you can still participate in creating New York solar energy for the grid by joining a Community Solar program. You’ll receive a credit on your bill for a portion of the profits from the solar farm, and you can rest easy knowing that you’re part of the climate solution. It’s free and easy to sign up!
Yearning for More Than Just Solar?
If you want to take a holistic look at your home, how you can save on energy bills, create a healthier living environment, and reduce your family’s environmental impact, Bedford 2030’s Free Home Energy Coach can help you. You’re one 45-minute Zoom call away from learning about the most impactful ways to protect your health, wallet, and planet, all for free. Sign up for a Free Home Energy Coaching session today and learn what other free government money is just waiting for you! (Don’t wait long because rebates are currently at risk of going away. The time to renovate is now!)