New York Solar Power Case Studies Save money while you do the right thing for your community's environment A solar power system was designed for a residence in Beacon, New York. This system included 32 Sharp 185 solar modules and 2 SMA 2500 UL-SBD inverter. A total of 5,920 watts of peak power generating capability is provided (based on manufacturer output ratings). This solar energy system provides about 5,364 kwh per year -- after taking into account various real-world efficiency losses. The following table summarizes the environmental and financial benefits that the solar energy system will provide over its 30+ year lifespan:                   Total costs of the solar power system were $45,692, including all engineering, equipment, permits and installation. The customer received a $23,680 rebate from NYSERDA, an $3,750 NY State Tax Credit. Net costs to the home owner (not including the accelerated depreciation tax benefit for business use of part of the home as described below) were $15,811. Based on current residential electric rates, a 6% discount rate, 30 year system lifetime, 5% annual electrical rate increases, 5 3/4% borrowing rates, and 42% State and Federal tax rates, this system will save the homeowner $649 per year with a Net Present Value of $1,180. New York residents receive $4.00 per DC watt for systems up to 50kW and a maximum of 60% of the total cost. The State of New York also provides a 25% tax credit for residential installations up to $3,750. On a financial basis, this business' electric bill went down by $54 per month. Moreover, because of the MACRS depreciation schedule used for PV systems, 50% of the system is depreciated in the first year with the remainder depreciated over the subsequent four years. The table below shows the magnitude of the positive cash flows for the solar energy system over the first ten years. Energy Analysis Our recommendation to install this particular solar energy system was based on a detailed analysis of the business' energy bills, roof condition, shading and orientation, electrical system, local weather conditions, environmental interests, financial goals, economic parameters and aesthetic preferences. This analysis was summarized in a detailed, 50 page report that we presented to the customer. The two bar charts below highlight the results of our before and after energy bill analysis.     These savings do not take into account several important factors: Distributed solar energy power is a renewable energy resource and very kind to the environment. Renewable solar energy system improvements add significantly to the value of your property without any increase in the assessed value in most municipalities. Cash flow savings are likely to be hundreds of dollars per month if you were to install a solar energy system in conjunction with other energy saving devices - and then refinance the entire package at a lower interest rate.