17 Best Solar Companies in Catskill, NY (Mar 2023 Review)

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Catskill

Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you will need to pay to install your system. The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:

• The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn't see much direct sunlight, your solar panel system won't be able to make as much energy, which will give you lower savings on electric bills than a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
• Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which can save you some money, allows you to deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $18,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
• How much energy costs for you: If your local utility rates are high, there's a better chance you'll see a higher return on your investment in a solar panel system. In Catskill, you can save an average of $69 a month on your electricity bills.
• The model of solar panel system you have the money for: This hinges on your income and budget.

Even though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over the lifespan of your panels. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, like the size of your solar panel system and your current power bills.

Solar Incentives in Catskill

If you're considering switching to solar energy, various government incentives and subsidies can dramatically bring down the installation costs and expedite the return on your investment. You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially pair the ITC with other state and city rebates and benefits. For comprehensive information about incentives that apply to you, see our our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Catskill

There are tons of reasons to trade traditional energy for solar energy, like saving on utility bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint. But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? In a city like Catskill where commute times can be pretty long, going solar can help help reduce the carbon footprint of driving a lot. Since solar panels don't release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good swap for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 pounds each year. For those who are concerned about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.