Slides that accompany Solarize Syracuse orientation workshops.

2. Agenda
Welcome and Introduction
Overview of Solarize Syracuse Program
Solar PV Basics
Solar PV Incentives and Economics
Getting Started
Go Solar Today! 2

3. What is Solarize Syracuse?
• A community-based program to assist residential
and commercial customers in Syracuse, Dewitt,
Manlius, and Onondaga with financial and
logistical barriers to going solar.
• Group-purchasing volume discounts.
• Support system.
• A growing movement to engage communities in
order to stimulate local solar market and:
 Reduce pollution
 Save money
 Support green jobs and economy
Go Solar Today! 3

4. Solarize Programs
Go Solar Today! 4

5. Solarize Syracuse Is:
 Alliance for a Green Economy
(AGREE)
 Central New York Regional
Planning & Development Board
 Frack Action
 Greening USA
 New York Interfaith Power and
Light
 Peace Action CNY
 Syracuse Peace Council
Go Solar Today! 5

6. Benefits of Solarize Program
Barriers
High upfront cost
Complexity
Customer inertia
Solutions
Group purchase,
volume discount
Installer selection,
community outreach
Limited-time offer
Go Solar Today! 6

7. Installer Selection Process
 Request for Proposals issued June 5, 2014.
 Sent to 30 NYSERDA-approved installers
in Upstate NY.
 Received 5 qualified proposals.
 In-person interviews with 2 finalists.
 Contractor selected on July 16, 2014.
Go Solar Today! 7

8. Installer Selection Criteria
 NYSERDA-approved, NABCEP-certified
 Overall experience and qualifications (insurance,
bonding, references, etc.)
 Quality of equipment
 Customer service
 Agree to the Solarize “program approach”
– Volume discount
– Community outreach and education
 Diverse financing options offered
 Benefit to the local economy
Go Solar Today! 8

9. CNY Solar
• Established in 2009, based in
Canastota.
• Has completed 200+ projects
including multiple installations
in Syracuse area.
• A+ rating with BBB; was
preferred installer of Solarize
Madison campaign in 2013.
• Domestic (SolarWorld) and
foreign (Trina) panels available.
Also BenQ panel with built-in
micro-inverter.
• Solar purchase and lease
option available.
Go Solar Today! 9

10. Solarize Process
Select
Installer
Marketing &
Workshops Enrollment Site
Assessment
Decision
&
Installation
Go Solar Today! 10

11. Solarize Process
If you sign up for a FREE, NO OBLIGATION site assessment,
CNY Solar will follow up shortly to discuss the feasibility of your
property.
If your property is a good candidate, CNY Solar will:
• Check your property in person
• Give you a detailed quote
If you sign a contract, CNY Solar will:
• Submit the NYSERDA paperwork
• Get the local building and electrical permits and submit the interconnection
paperwork to National Grid while NYSERDA approves the project (~6-8 weeks)
• Complete the installation once NYSERDA approves (~1-2 days for a typical
residential project)
If you are financing or leasing your system, you must complete:
• Credit check
• Lease document (your first payment is not due until installation is complete)
Go Solar Today! 11

12. Financial Hurdles
 Set below-market base price for all
participants
 Volume purchasing discount
 Leasing and loan options available
 Extended 25-year warranty on all
components (panels and inverters) for
purchase and lease options
 Guidance on other available incentives
Go Solar Today! 12

13. Pricing Tiers
PV Panel Efficiency Warranty Inverter < 50 kW 50‐100
kW
101+
kW
Trina 255 15.9%
10‐yr product,
25‐yr
performance
Solar Edge $3.55
per watt
$3.40
per watt
$3.25
per watt
SolarWorld
280 16.7%
10‐yr product,
25‐yr
performance
Solar Edge $3.60 $3.45 $3.30
Ben‐Q
(AC module) 18.1%
10‐yr product,
25‐yr
performance
Built‐in
micro‐inverter
$3.70 $3.55 $3.40
Roof pitch 45‐degree or greater $0.15/watt
Line tap in electrical panel $300 flat fee
Line tap external to building $700 flat fee
Go Solar Today! 13
Base Price:
16% discount
Lowest Tier:
24% discount

14. How do Solar Panels Work?
• Need DIRECT sunlight!
• Sunlight dislodges
electrons in a layer of
silicon
• Electrons flow to layer
that needs electrons
Go Solar Today! 14

15. Solar PV Basics
Panel / Module
Cell
Go Solar Today! 15

16. Solar PV Basics
PV Array
Go Solar Today! 16

17. Solar PV Basics
Residential
1-25 kW
“Small”
Commercial
1 – 200 kW
“Large”
Commercial
200 kW+
Utility
2 MW+
Go Solar Today! 17
NYSERDA Open Enrollment
Program
NYSERDA Competitive
Grant

18. e- e-
Solar PV Basics
Capacity / Power
kilowatt (kW)
Production
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
e-
Go Solar Today! 18

19. Solar PV Basics
Image Source: Home Power Magazine
Utility Grade
Meter
Inverter Disconnect
Switch
Go Solar Today! 19

20. How Does Net Metering Work?
Go Solar Today! 20

21. Where Can I Put my Solar Panels?
Roof-Mount Ground-Mount
Go Solar Today! 21

22. What Makes a Good Site for Solar?
• At least 4-6 hours of direct
sunlight per day – no
obstructions by trees, chimney
or buildings.
• PV panels angled 30°- 45° are
ideal.
• 90-100 square feet of PV
modules will produce about
1,000 watts of power, so a 5kW
array will require about 500
square feet of roof area.
• In Central NY, each kW of PV
installed will produce about 1.1
kWh per year.
Go Solar Today! 22
Average loss in
energy produced

23. How Does Shading Affect
a Solar Array?
10% shading of an array
can lead to a 50%
decline in efficiency
Source: Renewable Energy World
Go Solar Today! 23

24. Design: Pitched Roof
Image Source: Home Power Magazine Go Solar Today! 24

25. Design: Pitched Roof
Standoff
L Foot
25

26. Design: Pitched Roof
Typically 48-96 inches depending on
rafter spacing, weight, and wind load
26

27. Design: Flat Roof
Image Source: Solar Pro Go Solar Today! 27

28. Design: Flat Roof
Image Source: Solar Pro
If roof is ballasted you can
use ballast blocks instead
28

29. Design: Ground Mount
Image Source: tradekey.com
Can be anchored using:
• Concrete footings
• Driven steel piles
• Earth screws
• Ballast
Go Solar Today! 29

30. Design: Grounding
All metal components must
be grounded
Image Sources: ART TEC, crodog.org
Go Solar Today! 30

31. How Much Solar PV Do I Need?
Page 2
Billing
Period
Monthly
usage
(kWh)
13-month
usage
history
Go Solar Today! 31
https://www1.nationalgridus.com/StateLandingNY
SBC/RPS
charge

32. Max. System Size is LESSER OF:
• 110% of annual usage
• How many panels will fit your space
Go Solar Today! 32
How Much Solar PV Can I Install?
Month/Year Usage (kWh)
August 2013 1044
September 2013 748
October 2013 745
November 2013 613
December 2013 577
January 2014 651
February 2014 535
March 2014 542
April 2014 654
May 2014 716
June 2014 704
July 2014 1,010
YEARLY TOTAL 8,539
MONTHLY AVERAGE 712
Summer
peak

33. How Do I Know How Much
Solar PV Can Fit?
Preliminary Assessment: Aerial Photos
Go Solar Today! 33

34. How Do I Know If My Site
Is Too Shady?
• Initial site feasibility can be
determined online through
aerial images such as Google
Earth.
• Aerial images can miss
important factors, so a shading
analysis will be performed for
each feasible project site.
Go Solar Today! 34

35. What About All That Snow?
• Yes, snow shuts down your solar
array (temporarily) when it blocks the
light.
BUT. . .
There is very little sun in the winter
to miss out on.
• December, January and Feburary is
only about 5% of yearly sun
• So if snow covers your panels for a
few weeks, you are losing very little
energy production.
SO…
Stay off your roof in the winter!
Go Solar Today! 35

36. Solar PV Basics
36

37. Solar PV Basics
37

38. Is There Enough Sun for Solar
In Central New York?
Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory Go Solar Today! 38

39. Solar Resource in NYS
San Diego, CA: 2,100 kWh/m2/year
Syracuse, NY: 1,550
Seattle, WA: 1,365
Sunniest place in Germany: 1,250 World’s
solar
power
Central New York gets leader
74% of the amount of sun
that San Diego gets
Source: NREL study of 30-year average Go Solar Today! 39

40. U.S. Solar Market is Growing
Source: Greentech Media, Inc. and Solar Energy
Industries Association (2014) Go Solar Today! 40

41. How is New York Doing?
Go Solar Today! 41

42. How is Central New York Doing?
NUMBER OF INSTALLED SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC PROJECTS
Onondaga Oswego Madison Cayuga Cortland
Go Solar Today! 42
43%
18%
13%
N = 64
17%
9%
N = 217
N = 87
N = 87
N = 46

43. Growth of Solar PV in Central NY
Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (2013) 43

44. Falling Prices Driving Growth
Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (2013) Go Solar Today! 44

45. Installed Costs in Central NY
Go Solar Today! 45

46. Incentives Falling Just as Fast
Source: Greentech Media, Inc. and Solar Energy
Industries Association (2014)
Go Solar Today! 46

47. More Good Reasons to
Go Solar Now
1. Protect the environment.
2. Eliminate or drastically reduce your electric bills.
3. Earn a great return on your investment.
4. Protect against rising energy costs.
5. Create jobs and help the local economy.
6. Increase your property value.
7. Boost U.S. energy independence.
8. Build your company brand, demonstrate your
personal commitment to sustainability.
9. Increase employee morale.
10.Stay competitive.
Go Solar Today! 47

48. Environmental Benefits
Go Solar Today! 48

49. Environmental Benefits
Go Solar Today! 49

50. Environmental Benefits
• Particulate pollution from
existing coal power plants caused
13,200 premature deaths in 2010,
and 9,700 additional hospitalizations
and 20,000 heart attacks.
• Pennsylvania leads the nation with
1,359 premature deaths from
coal pollution, Ohio is second with
1,221 and New York is third with
945.
• Total monetized value of these
adverse health impacts amounts to
more than $100 billion per year.
Go Solar Today! 50
Source: Clean Air Task Force, The Toll From Coal (2010)

51. NY Electricity Costs Are Very High
Source: US Chamber of Commerce Go Solar Today! 51

52. Hedge Against Inflation
Source: EIA, “Electric Power Monthly” Go Solar Today! 52

53. Smart Investment for Homes
Solar homes sold
20% faster
and for
17% more
than the equivalent non-solar homes
in surveyed California subdivisions
Source: http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy07osti/38304-01.pdf
Go Solar Today! 53

54. Smart Investment for Business
 Pryor Tec Automotive Service in Clinton, NY
 14.95 kW PV system installed by CNY Solar, Inc. on May 13, 2011
 Project cost: $63,800
 NYSERDA incentive: $26,162.50 ($1.75/watt)
 Electricity produced in 2013: 17,000 kWh
 Estimated payback: 4 years
Go Solar Today! 54
Source: CNY Solar, Inc.

55. Solar Drives Local Economic
Development
Source: SEIA/GTM Research – 2009/2010/2011/2012 Year in Review
Report http://www.seia.org/research-resources/us-solar-market-insight Go Solar Today! 55

56. Job Creation
Source: SEIA Estimates (2006-2009),The Solar Foundation’s
National Solar Jobs Census 2013.
SEIA
Estimates
The Solar
Foundation
56
Go Solar Today!

57. Market Transformation
A household is
0.8% more likely to adopt solar
for
each additional installation in their zip code
Source: NYU Stern and Yale School of Forestry, Peer Effects in the Diffusion of Solar Panels
Go Solar Today! 57

58. What is NYSERDA?
• New York State Energy Research
and Development Authority
• Public Benefit Corporation
• Established by the New York State
Legislature in 1975
• NYSERDA is tasked to address the
State’s energy and environmental
challenges
Mission
Advance innovative energy solutions in ways that
improve New York’s economy and environment.
Go Solar Today! 58

59. What are NYSERDA’s Incentives?
• Incentive is $0.90/watt for the
first 50kW and $0.55/watt for
next 51-200kW.
• No deadline (first-come, first-served)
but incentives periodically
reduced depending on program
volume.
• Must be new system installed by
Eligible Installer such as CNY Solar
• Capped at 25kW for residential
systems and 200kW for
commercial.
• PV system capacity cannot exceed
110% of historical electricity usage.
• Incentives are reduced in
proportion to output losses when
losses from factors such as shading
and orientation exceed 20%.
Go Solar Today! 59

60. How Are NYSERDA’s
Incentives Paid?
• Paid to approved Eligible
Installers, NOT to
customer.
• Entire incentive MUST
be passed on to the
customer by the Eligible
Installer.
• In two installments:
• 75% paid AFTER the
equipment is delivered to the
installation site; and
• 25% paid when PV system is
grid-connected and approved
by your utility.
Go Solar Today! 60

61. NYSERDA’s PV Program
MORE THAN JUST
A GRANT!
• NYSERDA reviews system
design, incentive applications,
customer purchase
agreement.
• Installers will inspect system
if it’s not operating at
specified performance goals.
• Full 5-year parts and labor
warranty – Peace of Mind!
Go Solar Today! 61

62. Summary of Incentives
Available Incentives
30% Federal Tax Credit (residential and commercial customers; no
dollar limit; set to expire December 31, 2016 so sign up now!)
25% NYS Tax Credit (up to $5,000; residential customers up to 25 kW
max. system size; 50kW for condo or coop housing associations)
NYSERDA grant (currently $0.90/watt but may be revised downward
by NYSERDA soon so sign up now!)
NYS Sales Tax Exemption
Local Sales Tax Exemption (available only if the municipality allows it)
NYS Property Tax Exemption (15-year exemption unless the local
municipality opts out of the exemption)
Net metering (retail rate; no net excess generation for the year)
Go Solar Today! 62

63. CNY Solar Estimate:
Purchase Option
63
System specs:
• 7.425 kW
(DC)
SolarWorld
system @
$3.30 per
watt
• Produces
8,603 kWh
per year
• Offsets 100%
of electrical
usage

64. Are there loans available?
1. NYSERDA Energy Smart
• Low rates at 3.5%
• 5, 10, and 15-year terms
• Credit score of at least 640
• Up to $13,000 or $25,000 if project meets simple payback
• Easy online application
2. Admirals Bank
• Secured loans up to $25,000
• 100% up-front financing (before start of project)
• Tax incentive bridge loan
3. Renewable Energy Equipment Leasing
• Residential and commercial financing
• Residential 10, 20 and 30 year loans
• Minimum credit score 600
• Easy online application
Go Solar Today! 64

65. How does the lease work?
• Customer leases the solar PV equipment and makes low
monthly payments for the length of the 20-year contract
term.
• Low monthly payment option with minimal to no money
down (project must meet simple payback test).
• Credit score of 640 or better is required.
• Up to 20 kW system.
• Warranty, production guarantee, and fully insured for 20
years.
• CPF recoups the Federal tax credit and applies it to the
monthly lease payment.
• Customer retains the NYS tax credit.
Go Solar Today! 65

66. CNY Solar Estimate:
Lease Option
Go Solar Today! 66
System specs:
• 7.14 kW (DC) Trina
system @ $3.25
per watt
• Produces 8,343
kWh per year
• Offsets 98%
electrical usage

67. Important Considerations
 All systems must be grid-tied – battery back-up systems are possible
but cost is additional.
 Additional charges for electrical upgrades and steep roofs greater
than 45°.
 Ground-mounts are more expensive than roof-mounts, and are not
allowed for residential in Dewitt.
 NYSERDA grants will probably go down soon – so sign up now!
 Tax credits depend upon net cost after NYSERDA incentive and your
tax situation – consult your attorney or tax professional.
 CNY Solar handles all of the paperwork (NYSERDA grant, local
permits, utility interconnection) and helps you get financing that works
best for you!
 All inverters purchased through Solarize Syracuse come with a 20-year
warranty – removes additional cost in year 10-15.
 Solarize Syracuse monitors the process and customer service.
Go Solar Today! 67

68. Other Options – Efficiency First!
 Energy efficiency improvements are the most cost-effective
investment you can make.
 Improve your home’s comfort and safety, save money,
and create good local jobs.
 CNY Solar will do “clipboard audit.”
 Free or reduced-cost comprehensive home energy
assessments available to most New Yorkers through
NYSERDA – applications available tonight!
 No obligation or up-front costs, and low-interest
financing and income-eligible grants up to 50% available.
Go Solar Today! 68

69. NYSERDA’s Residential
Efficiency Programs
1. Enroll for a free/reduced cost
home energy assessment.
2. Schedule the assessment with a
BPI-certified contractor.
3. Get your energy assessment.
4. Review your energy report and
choose your improvements.
5. Apply for financing and assisted
home performance grants.
6. Get the work done.
Go Solar Today! 69

70. NYSERDA’s Small Commercial
Energy Assessment Program
• Provides FREE energy audits to small businesses and not-for-profit
organizations with 10 employees or less and facilities with an
average annual electric demand of 100 kW or less.
• Offers assistance to customers who wish to apply for NYSERDA
incentives to implement recommended improvements.
• Low-interest available – ask us for information on Green Jobs –
Green NY financing.
• Program is available statewide (customers do NOT have to pay SBC).
Go Solar Today! 70

71. What’s Next?
Get educated – attend a workshop and/or visit the website.
1. Sign up for a FREE, NO OBLIGATION site assessment –
complete the enrollment form now, visit the website, or call
us!
2. Give us your utility bill so we can estimate your system size.
3. Evaluate proposal and sign contract, or get a comprehensive
home efficiency assessment from NYSERDA-approved
Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® contractor.
4. Spread the word – talk to your friends and neighbors,
“like” us on Facebook, get a lawn sign, etc.
5. Volunteer or donate to the campaign – all contributions
go directly to advertising costs.
Go Solar Today! 71

72. Thank You!
Questions?
www.solarizesyracuse.org
(315) 480-1515
Go Solar Today! 72