Yes, if you have a south-facing (or nearly south-facing) roof that is free of shade from 9 AM to 3 PM, you have a desirable site. If your roof is oriented to the southeast or southwest, it may be a desirable site depending on roof angle and shading.
Buying a solar system represents a one-time cost that will provide you with “free” electricity or hot water for 25 or more years. You will see immediate reductions to your monthly utility bill. The actual payback of your system will be determined by which rebates and tax credits you are eligible for as well as how much and how fast utility rates escalate.
Absolutely, there is plenty of sunshine. On average, we receive approximately 4.5 hours of direct sunlight a day. One factor that makes solar power a more sensible choice here than in many other places in the US is that our power costs are significantly higher and state incentives are strong.
Solar energy systems are often financed as part of a home equity loan as the interest on the loan is tax deductible. Additionally, some states offer low interest loans to assist with system acquisition.
If we have incorporated a battery back-up solution into your system, you will be able to run critical items from that stored battery power. Otherwise, when utility power is disrupted, your solar electric system will automatically turn off as required for safety reasons by all utilities.
Yes. Through ‘net metering’ any excess electricity generated will spin your meter backwards which has the effect of selling your excess power to the utility at a full retail rate. On a monthly basis, you pay only the “net” of what power you used.
It can. However, given cost factors and net metering rules, most people choose a system that produces a portion of the power that they use. Most customers aim to derive about 1/3 to 1/2 of their electricity from a PV system. Alteris™ Renewables has the expertise to design an “off grid” home for 100% of your power should you desire it.
A solar PV system produces electricity, not heat. The only way for it to produce heat would be through an electric heater. A solar electric system can be installed on a home with electric heat.
A 5kW PV system located in the Northeast will produce approximately 6,200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, which averages to about 500kWh per month. The average home in the Northeast consumes roughly 600kWh per month.
The size of the solar electric or hot water system has less to do with the physical size of your house and more with your actual electricity or hot water consumption. Since people in similar sized homes have varying energy usage levels, we size the system based on your consumption level, roof size and budget. Alteris Renewables will design a system specifically for your house and your energy needs.
Unless a battery storage system is incorporated into your system, the electricity is not stored. Any electricity that you produce is either used by your household at that time or the power flows back out to the grid while spinning your meter backwards. Some homeowners, who are subject to frequent power outages, request a system that incorporates battery storage that would power part of the household in the event of a utility outage.
This amount varies considerably by state based on available incentives and rebates. Alteris™ Renewables will design a system that maximizes your incentives for the state in which you reside. Your personal Alteris™ Renewables quote will contain this detailed information.
A typical PV system will take up about 300 sq. ft. (20 x 15) of roof space and approximately a 4ft. by 4ft. amount of wall space next to your electrical service panel for an inverter, meter and disconnect switch. A typical hot water system will take up less roof space, on average between 60 and 100 square feet.
When you sell your home, you should expect to be able to sell your home for a premium as it will have lower operating costs than a comparable non-solar home. According to the Appraisal Journal of the National Appraiser’s Association, home values increase $20 for every $1 in annual energy savings. So saving $1250 a year in electricity could increase your home value by $25,000.
Yes. Depending on the state that you live in there are varying rebate and tax incentives available. Alteris™ Renewables will assist you in maximizing incentive payments. Additionally, with the Energy Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, the Federal Government extended the solar Investment Tax Credit for eight years. They also removed the $2,000 cap on the 30% Tax Credit for PV systems ($2,000 cap still applies to hot water and other thermal systems). This amount will come directly off your tax bill.
5kW of photovoltaic capacity will avoid the release of 73 tons of carbon over a 25 year lifetime that would have occurred if you had purchased that power from your utility. This is the environmental equivalent of planting 682 trees.
South is the best orientation and will produce the most electricity for you. The closer to south the orientation is, the better the output of the system will be. Alteris will estimate the energy output your system will produce for you based on its orientation and 30 years of climate data.
PV and hot water systems are designed for a 25+ year lifetime. You would want to have a relatively new (less than 8 years) underlying roof so that the system wouldn’t need to be removed for roof repairs at a future date.
This amount varies considerably by state based on available incentives and rebates. Alteris™ Renewables will design a system that maximizes your incentives for the state in which you reside. Your personal Alteris™ quote will contain this detailed information.
You may reduce your hot water heating costs up to 65% with a solar hot water system, or, for those who use oil to heat their hot water, you can save up to an estimated 200 gallons of oil each year.
Only certain types of space heating systems are compatible with solar. If you have radiant floor heating, you may be a good candidate for solar space heating. Contact info@alterisinc.com to find out more.
No, unless you want to, that is. Your solar hot water system will serve as a pre-heat to your existing system. You are adding an auxiliary system when you add solar domestic hot water, not replacing your current water heating set-up. As a result, you will have access to both types of water heating options.
After the storm, when the sun comes out, the solar radiation penetrates the snow and heats up the collector melting the snow from the bottom up. The melting at the surface of the collector allows the snow to slide off. Also, since the panels are usually mounted on an angle, the snow is able to slide off fairly easily.
A Renewable Energy Credit is the value of the environmental attributes of the clean energy that your solar electric system will produce. These credits have an established value in an actively traded market for each state. Alteris™ Renewables will assist you in capturing the market value of your RECs should you desire to do so.
Our experience of 30+ years and expertise is unequaled in the industry. Better design equates to better system performance which provides you with a better return on your investment.
Our engineering expertise relates specifically to the challenges of large commercial installations and the project management expertise required for these projects.
Importantly, your system comes with a 5 year warranty from the installing company. It is best to work with a company committed to the long term solar market should your system need support in the future.
Our size of operations allows us to work with the manufacturers of the best equipment in the market. More efficient equipment works harder for you to produce more energy.
Customer service and satisfaction is a hallmark of Alteris™ Renewables. We pride ourselves on being responsive and flexible to our customers’ needs.
Yes, if you have a south-facing (or nearly south-facing) roof that is free of shade from 9 AM to 3 PM, you have a desirable site. If your roof is oriented to the southeast or southwest, it may be a desirable site depending on roof angle and shading.
FAQs about solar power for homes in the Northeast
Will solar electric power or hot water work at my home?
Yes, if you have a south-facing (or nearly south-facing) roof that is free of shade from 9 AM to 3 PM, you have a desirable site. If your roof is oriented to the southeast or southwest, it may be a desirable site depending on roof angle and shading.
Is solar a good investment?
Buying a solar system represents a one-time cost that will provide you with “free” electricity or hot water for 25 or more years. You will see immediate reductions to your monthly utility bill. The actual payback of your system will be determined by which rebates and tax credits you are eligible for as well as how much and how fast utility rates escalate.
Is there really enough sunshine in the Northeast?
Absolutely, there is plenty of sunshine. On average, we receive approximately 4.5 hours of direct sunlight a day. One factor that makes solar power a more sensible choice here than in many other places in the US is that our power costs are significantly higher and state incentives are strong.
Can I finance the purchase of a solar energy system?
Solar energy systems are often financed as part of a home equity loan as the interest on the loan is tax deductible. Additionally, some states offer low interest loans to assist with system acquisition.
Will I have power in a blackout?
If we have incorporated a battery back-up solution into your system, you will be able to run critical items from that stored battery power. Otherwise, when utility power is disrupted, your solar electric system will automatically turn off as required for safety reasons by all utilities.
Can I sell power back to my utility?
Yes. Through ‘net metering’ any excess electricity generated will spin your meter backwards which has the effect of selling your excess power to the utility at a full retail rate. On a monthly basis, you pay only the “net” of what power you used.
Can a solar electric system power my entire home?
It can. However, given cost factors and net metering rules, most people choose a system that produces a portion of the power that they use. Most customers aim to derive about 1/3 to 1/2 of their electricity from a PV system. Alteris™ Renewables has the expertise to design an “off grid” home for 100% of your power should you desire it.
Can a solar PV system be used to heat my home?
A solar PV system produces electricity, not heat. The only way for it to produce heat would be through an electric heater. A solar electric system can be installed on a home with electric heat.
How much electricity will a photovoltaic (PV) system produce?
A 5kW PV system located in the Northeast will produce approximately 6,200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, which averages to about 500kWh per month. The average home in the Northeast consumes roughly 600kWh per month.
What is the right system size for my house?
The size of the solar electric or hot water system has less to do with the physical size of your house and more with your actual electricity or hot water consumption. Since people in similar sized homes have varying energy usage levels, we size the system based on your consumption level, roof size and budget. Alteris Renewables will design a system specifically for your house and your energy needs.
How is the power stored?
Unless a battery storage system is incorporated into your system, the electricity is not stored. Any electricity that you produce is either used by your household at that time or the power flows back out to the grid while spinning your meter backwards. Some homeowners, who are subject to frequent power outages, request a system that incorporates battery storage that would power part of the household in the event of a utility outage.
How much does a photovoltaic (PV) system cost?
This amount varies considerably by state based on available incentives and rebates. Alteris™ Renewables will design a system that maximizes your incentives for the state in which you reside. Your personal Alteris™ Renewables quote will contain this detailed information.
How much space does a system require?
A typical PV system will take up about 300 sq. ft. (20 x 15) of roof space and approximately a 4ft. by 4ft. amount of wall space next to your electrical service panel for an inverter, meter and disconnect switch. A typical hot water system will take up less roof space, on average between 60 and 100 square feet.
What if I sell my home before the system has paid itself back?
When you sell your home, you should expect to be able to sell your home for a premium as it will have lower operating costs than a comparable non-solar home. According to the Appraisal Journal of the National Appraiser’s Association, home values increase $20 for every $1 in annual energy savings. So saving $1250 a year in electricity could increase your home value by $25,000.
Are there tax credits and other financial incentives available?
Yes. Depending on the state that you live in there are varying rebate and tax incentives available. Alteris™ Renewables will assist you in maximizing incentive payments. Additionally, with the Energy Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, the Federal Government extended the solar Investment Tax Credit for eight years. They also removed the $2,000 cap on the 30% Tax Credit for PV systems ($2,000 cap still applies to hot water and other thermal systems). This amount will come directly off your tax bill.
What is the environmental benefit of installing a photovoltaic (PV) system?
5kW of photovoltaic capacity will avoid the release of 73 tons of carbon over a 25 year lifetime that would have occurred if you had purchased that power from your utility. This is the environmental equivalent of planting 682 trees.
Do the panels need to face South?
South is the best orientation and will produce the most electricity for you. The closer to south the orientation is, the better the output of the system will be. Alteris will estimate the energy output your system will produce for you based on its orientation and 30 years of climate data.
What condition should my roof be in?
PV and hot water systems are designed for a 25+ year lifetime. You would want to have a relatively new (less than 8 years) underlying roof so that the system wouldn’t need to be removed for roof repairs at a future date.
How much does a solar hot water system cost?
This amount varies considerably by state based on available incentives and rebates. Alteris™ Renewables will design a system that maximizes your incentives for the state in which you reside. Your personal Alteris™ quote will contain this detailed information.
How much will a solar hot water system reduce my heating costs?
You may reduce your hot water heating costs up to 65% with a solar hot water system, or, for those who use oil to heat their hot water, you can save up to an estimated 200 gallons of oil each year.
Can a solar thermal system be used to heat my home?
Only certain types of space heating systems are compatible with solar. If you have radiant floor heating, you may be a good candidate for solar space heating. Contact info@alterisinc.com to find out more.
Will I ever have to take a cold shower with a solar hot water syste?
No, unless you want to, that is. Your solar hot water system will serve as a pre-heat to your existing system. You are adding an auxiliary system when you add solar domestic hot water, not replacing your current water heating set-up. As a result, you will have access to both types of water heating options.
What happens when snow covers the PV panels?
After the storm, when the sun comes out, the solar radiation penetrates the snow and heats up the collector melting the snow from the bottom up. The melting at the surface of the collector allows the snow to slide off. Also, since the panels are usually mounted on an angle, the snow is able to slide off fairly easily.
What is a Renewable Energy Credit (REC)?
A Renewable Energy Credit is the value of the environmental attributes of the clean energy that your solar electric system will produce. These credits have an established value in an actively traded market for each state. Alteris™ Renewables will assist you in capturing the market value of your RECs should you desire to do so.
Why should I choose Alteris Renewables?
How do I purchase a system?
Estimate—Fill out our online contact form or call us 800-339-7804.
Site Visit—We’ll schedule a site visit during which we determine your exact system specifications.
Will solar electric power or hot water work at my home?
Yes, if you have a south-facing (or nearly south-facing) roof that is free of shade from 9 AM to 3 PM, you have a desirable site. If your roof is oriented to the southeast or southwest, it may be a desirable site depending on roof angle and shading.