Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are a collection of solar cells made up of silicon semiconductors that produce electricity when sunlight hits them.  Solar panels are usually installed on the south and west facing sections of a roof.  Solar is one of the cleanest and fastest growing sources of power in the world.

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Rebates and Financing

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PACE Solar Financing

• PACE is a financing program that allows property owners to borrow money to pay for renewable energy systems, energy efficiency improvements, water conservation and seismic retrofit projects. Loans are repaid via an annual assessment on the property tax bill. This allows property owners to begin saving on energy costs while they are paying for the upgrades, and in some cases property owners see net gains even with an increased property tax bill.  Learn more here. 

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Federal ITC (solar tax credit)

• The Investment Tax Credit, also known as the ITC, allows you to claim a tax credit for installing solar panels.  This effectively reduces the cost of solar by 26%.  This credit will expire at the end of 2021 unless it is renewed by congress.   Learn more here.

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Property Tax Exclusion

• Installing solar panels will not increase your property taxes.  Most construction increases the assessed value of your property, and therefore the property taxes you owe.  Solar panels are given an exclusion, meaning that the assessed value and taxes will not increase after installation.  Learn more here.

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Net Energy Metering (NEM)

• Net Energy Metering allows your utility (EBCE) to buy your excess solar power.  When your system produces more energy than you use (for instance, when you're at work in the middle of the day), that power will go into the grid and be used to power other buildings.  EBCE will compensate you at the same rate per kWh that you pay them for electricity up to $2,500/year.  This ensures you that benefit from ALL of the power your system generates, even if you don't use it yourself.  Learn more here.

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SASH Program

• The SASH program offers an incentive of $3/watt to low-income homeowners.  This covers the majority of the cost of installation.  To be eligible, homeowners must live in their home, have an income of no more than 80% of the Area Median Income, and the home must be classified as affordable housing.  A similar program, called MASH, exists for affordable multi-family housing. 

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Costs and Savings

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Costs

The size of solar PV systems is usually determined by how many kilowatts the panels can produce in full sun. Therefore, the amount of solar you can install depends largely on the size, shape, and shade of your roof. The average Albany home with solar has between 3 and 4 kilowatts.

In Albany, the average cost for solar panels and installation is $3000 per kilowatt.

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Bill Savings

One of the greatest benefits of solar is the savings you'll see on your energy bill! Enough solar can effectively eliminate your electric bill. If you completely electrify, you can power your entire home with solar!

Your savings will of course depend on how sunny your roof is. However, in Albany’s climate, the average savings are about $275 a year per kilowatt of solar. 

 

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Contractors  

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Visit BayREN to find participating contractors that are specially trained to provide the highest quality service and installation for qualified home energy improvements. Participating BayREN contractors will also assist you through the rebate process to make sure you get the best price on your projects.

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Permitting

 

Installing solar panels requires a building permit.   To receive your permit, fill out this application and email it to permits@albanyca.org. Solar panel permits are a bit more complicated than most.  Here are a few tips and reminders for you and your contractor to make sure the application process goes smoothly:

 

A) All plan sheets must be signed by designer of record.

B) Plans must include a (basic) roof-framing detail (see example).

C) Show 2 Grounding Electrode Conductors on schematic drawing, in conformance with 2019 CEC Section 250.53

D) Please include a Project Description or Scope of Work on the plans.  Be sure to state the kiloWattage of the proposed system.  Note amperage of new main service panel, if a replacement is proposed.  Note if a load center/subpanel is to be installed.  Note if the project includes an energy storage/battery backup system.

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Learn more about permits here and for more information contact jerlich@albanyca.org.

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Learn more about solar panels and other ways to lower your carbon footprint at Carbon Free Albany.

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