Author: Harvest Power Admin

  • Financing Options for Your Solar Installation

    Financing Options for Your Solar Installation

    At Harvest Power, we aim to make it as easy as possible for you to enjoy the benefits of solar energy. Our financing programs provide homeowners and businesses with payment options tailored to your fiscal situation.

    lightbulb with a plant and money representing saving money with solar, renewable energy

    Why Finance Your Solar Energy Installation?

    Immediate Savings with No Upfront Costs

    Financing allows us to install solar panels with little to no upfront costs, enabling you to start saving on your electricity bills from day one without a significant initial investment.

    Positive Cash Flow

    In many cases, the savings on your electricity bills can offset or exceed your monthly financing payments, resulting in positive cash flow from day one.

    Flexible Financing Terms

    Our team will work with you to determine convenient financing terms that align with your financial goals.

    Tax Benefits

    New York, New Jersey, and the federal government offer tax incentives, rebates, or credits that can further reduce the overall cost of your solar installation.

    Long-Term Savings

    You can realize substantial savings on your energy bills, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars over the system’s lifespan.

     

    Contact us today to learn more about our financing options.

  • Community Solar – A Hassle-Free Way to Save on Energy Bills

    Community Solar – A Hassle-Free Way to Save on Energy Bills

    Having solar panels installed on your property is not always feasible. Our Community Solar options enable you to take advantage of this incredible renewable energy source, decreasing your electricity bills while promoting a more sustainable environment.

    Benefits of Community Solar

    Community Solar provides various benefits, including:

    ·         Save up to 30% on your electricity costs

    ·         No money down

    ·         No alterations to your property

    ·         Take advantage of clean, renewable energy

    Community Solar installation on the side of a town road

    Is Community Solar Right for You?

    It may be smart to opt for Community Solar for many reasons. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, Community Solar could be the right choice for you.

    Are you renting property and paying your own electric bill?

    Is your house surrounded by trees or other elements potentially blocking sunlight?

    Is your roof too small for sufficient solar panels?

    Do you live in a condo or townhouse that will not allow you to go solar?

    Does your electric utility agreement disqualify you from receiving New York State or federal tax incentives?

    Are you part of a non-profit or religious organization striving to decrease operating costs?

     

     

    Contact us today to see if Community Solar is the ideal option for you.

  • The Benefits of Solar Energy for New Jersey Residents

    The Benefits of Solar Energy for New Jersey Residents

    Established on Long Island in 2008, Harvest Power began by helping New Yorkers embrace solar power, advocating for energy efficiency and a sustainable future. Since then, we have expanded throughout New York State and into New Jersey.

    The Advantages of Solar Energy for New Jersey Residents

    ·         Value: Solar will help you stabilize or reduce your energy costs by replacing the electricity you now buy from your local utility with lower-cost power.

    ·         Cleanliness: A solar system produces electricity with no emissions, no greenhouse gases, no pollution and no waste products.

    ·         Sustainability: There is an endless supply of sunlight as a fuel source – and it’s free.

    ·         Independence: You’re generating your own electricity and using it at the location where it’s being produced, avoiding the need for costly electric infrastructure.

    ·         Employment: The growth of solar energy in New Jersey has created thousands of jobs in sales, installation, manufacturing and financing.

    NJCleanEnergy.com

     

    These benefits are applicable to individuals and businesses transitioning to solar power throughout the US. At Harvest Power, we aim to help people understand the significance of adapting to solar energy, providing quality solar installations that stand the test of time while saving you money.

    Suffolk County residential solar panel installation

    New Jersey Solar Programs

    New Jersey is committed to supporting solar energy. The Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program is the current solar program which allows new solar projects to register to earn New Jersey Solar Renewable Energy Credits II (SREC-II). Older projects may be registered in one of New Jersey’s former solar programs, the SREC Registration Program (SRP) or the Transition Incentive (TI) Program, through which they continue to receive SRECs or TRECs. SRECs, TRECs, and SREC-IIs represent the clean energy attributes of electricity generated from a solar energy project.

    Reference:

    SREC – Solar Renewable Energy Certificate

    SREC-II – Solar Renewable Energy Certificate II

    TREC – Transitional Renewable Energy Certificate

  • Tesla Powerwall: Your Source for 24/7 Clean Energy

    Tesla Powerwall: Your Source for 24/7 Clean Energy

    As a Tesla Certified Installer, Harvest Power can help provide your home with clean solar energy, even when the sun isn’t shining. The Tesla Powerwall stores the energy generated by your solar panels, preventing you from relying on the power grid while maximizing your home’s energy efficiency. 

    What Is the Tesla Powerwall?

    Powerwall is an integrated battery system that stores your solar energy for backup protection, so when the grid goes down your power stays on. Your system detects outages and automatically recharges with sunlight to keep your appliances running for days.

     

    Tesla

    Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer logo

    $500 Rebate for Powerwall 2 and Powerwall+ Installations

    Customers who install and register their Powerwall(s) between June 15, 2023, and October 31, 2023, will receive a $500 rebate for each Powerwall. You can install a single Powerwall or multiple Powerwalls. After your Powerwall(s) have been installed, connected to the internet and registered, you can submit your rebate request in the Tesla app. Once confirmed, Tesla will send you a check of $500 for each Powerwall.

     

    Tesla

    Time is running out for you to take advantage of Tesla’s $500 rebate! Contact us today so we can help get the installation process started.

  • Solar Power – Reducing the Carbon Footprint of NY and NJ

    Solar Power – Reducing the Carbon Footprint of NY and NJ

    Did you know that over 27% of California’s energy is generated by solar photovoltaics (PVs)? And while the West Coast is leading the way in solar energy production, New York and New Jersey are both top ten US solar producers. In 2021, New York State ranked in the top five small-scale solar energy producers. That same year, New Jersey ranked ninth, generating 7% of the state’s energy with solar power.

    Solar energy production is expected to continue increasing within New York and New Jersey; however, we must rapidly transition from carbon-emitting fossil fuels to clean energy like solar to effectively staunch climate change.

    What Is Small-Scale Solar?

    Earlier, we mentioned that New York is one of the nation’s largest small-scale solar energy producers. But what is small-scale solar?

    Small-scale solar PV installations, defined by EIA as having capacity of less than 1 megawatt (MW), are usually located at the customer’s site of electricity consumption. These small-scale PV installations are also called behind-the-meter, customer-sited, or distributed generation capacity. Although each distributed PV system is very small—a typical size for residential PV systems is 5 kilowatts (kW), or 0.005 MW—there are hundreds of thousands of these systems across the country that add up to a substantial amount of electricity generating capacity.

    US Energy Information Administration

     

    For a better scope of the significance of small-scale solar, behind-the-meter installations currently account for over 80% of New Jersey’s solar energy production.

    solar panel roof installation

    What Are Some of the Primary Benefits of Solar Energy?

    What Are the Financial Benefits of Solar Energy?

    By reducing the electricity you get from the grid, solar lowers your bill. How much you can save depends on the electric rates in your area. There may also be significant federal, State, and local tax credits for installing solar at your home.

    What Are the Environmental and Health Benefits of Solar Energy?

    Solar is one of the cleanest forms of renewable energy. By switching to solar, you reduce your carbon footprint and help New York fight climate change. Solar also reduces the presence of harmful air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, which may cause serious health problems. Ultimately, by going solar, you are contributing to a cleaner and healthier community.

    How Will I Be Compensated for My Solar Energy?

    With solar, your home can go from being an energy consumer to being an energy producer. Electric utilities will credit your bill for the power your home produces using solar panels. You’ll only pay for electricity if you use more than what your solar panels generate during that billing cycle. Any excess electricity you produce that month becomes a credit on your next electricity bill.

     

    NYSERDA

    young female teacher showing students how residential solar power works

    Related News: Solar Power Incentives for New York Homeowners

    Ready to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint?

  • Solar Power Solutions for New Jersey Homeowners

    Solar Power Solutions for New Jersey Homeowners

    Nearly 200,000 homes and businesses throughout New Jersey are powered by solar energy. This article focuses on the advantages of solar power for New Jersey homeowners.

    Direct Energy Generation on Property

    Allows New Jersey residential properties to generate clean energy directly on-site from sunlight, reducing your reliance on external energy sources.

    Economic Savings through Solar Power

    This translates into potentially considerable financial savings as solar panels generate electricity, offsetting the need to purchase all power from the grid.

    Enhanced Property Value for New Jersey Homeowners

    Increases New Jersey home property values due to energy-efficient features, making it appealing to environmentally conscious buyers.

    Strengthened Energy Security

    Provides a power source during grid outages, increasing energy security for New Jersey homeowners.

    Lead the Way in Sustainability

    When you switch to solar energy, you directly contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, driving the shift toward cleaner energy sources.

    Solar panel installation on the roof of a New Jersey home

    Additional Benefits of Solar Power for New Jersey Homeowners

    Low Maintenance

    Net Metering and Incentives

    Improves Air Quality

    Reduces Noise Pollution

    Helps Preserve Natural Resources

  • New York State Residential Solar Solutions

    New York State Residential Solar Solutions

    At Harvest Power, our residential solar solutions provide a wide range of benefits for New York homeowners and renters. This article provides helpful information regarding some of the advantages of our residential solar installations.

    On-Site Renewable Energy Generation

    Rooftop solar installations produce clean and renewable energy directly on your property.

    Reduced Electricity Bills

    Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, potentially saving monthly electricity bills by offsetting grid electricity consumption.

    Long-Term Cost Savings

    Once installed, solar panels can continue to generate electricity for decades, providing long-term cost savings over their lifespan.

    Increased Property Value

    Rooftop solar installations increase the value of residential properties in New York by making them more attractive to potential buyers due to reduced energy costs and sustainability benefits.

    Energy Independence

    New York homeowners can become more self-reliant regarding energy production, reducing dependence on centralized power sources.

    residential solar installation

    Environmental Benefits

    Solar power reduces carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to environmental conservation and combating climate change.

    Low Maintenance Requirements

    Solar panels have minimal moving parts and require little maintenance, typically limited to occasional cleaning to ensure optimal performance.

    Energy Security and Grid Support

    Rooftop solar systems can continue providing energy during power outages. Excess energy generated from your solar installation can also be fed back into the power grid, contributing to grid stability.

     

    Learn More: Solar Power Incentives for New York Homeowners

  • The Benefits of Community Solar Power in New York State

    The Benefits of Community Solar Power in New York State

    Harvest Power solar farms help generate power for homeowners and renters throughout New York State. Learn more about the benefits of our Community Solar programs.

    Renewable Energy Access for All

    Community solar provides access to clean, renewable energy for individuals and businesses that cannot install solar panels on their own properties.

    Cost Savings

    Subscribers receive credits on their energy bills for the solar energy generated, reducing energy costs.

    No Upfront Investment

    Participants can join community solar programs without the need for any initial financial investment, as the solar farm infrastructure is already in place.

    Tax Incentive Independence

    Suitable for those who do not qualify for federal or state tax incentives for solar power installations.

    Supports Clean Energy Transition

    Contributes to a more sustainable future.

    Grid Resilience and Stability

    Distributed solar energy generation enhances grid resilience and stability by reducing stress during peak demand periods.

    community solar farm
  • Solar Power Incentives for New York Homeowners

    Solar Power Incentives for New York Homeowners

    The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) developed a solar program, NY-Sun, advocating for solar power by offering New York residents incentives and tax credits. At Harvest Power Solar, our team will work with you to help ensure you are eligible for all incentives correlating with your solar installation.

    Federal and New York State Solar Tax Credits

    A few years ago, solar energy systems were eligible for a 26% federal residential solar energy credit. In August 2022, Congress increased this to 30% for solar installations between 2022 and 2032. Additionally, there is no maximum amount that can be claimed.

    New York State solar tax credits equal 25% of the system cost; however, the maximum claim is $5,000.

     

    So what does all of this mean for homeowners in New York State? Not only will your solar energy system significantly cut your energy costs while promoting a sustainable environment, but the federal and state governments will technically pay for over 50% of your system.

    representation of saving money with solar power for your home

    Contact us today to learn how much money you can save with solar energy.

  • Solar Power in New York State – How Does It Work?

    Solar Power in New York State – How Does It Work?

    While most New York State residents understand the basic concepts of solar power, the process that transforms energy generated by the sun into energy that powers homes and businesses is quite remarkable. This article provides some basic information about how solar power works.

    Solar Panels and Photovoltaic (PV) Cells

     

    Solar panels are comprised of many interconnected PV cells,
    sometimes called solar cells.

    What Is Photovoltaic (PV) Technology and How Does It Work?

    PV materials and devices convert sunlight into electrical energy. A single PV device is known as a cell. An individual PV cell is usually small, typically producing about 1 or 2 watts of power. These cells are made of different semiconductor materials and are often less than the thickness of four human hairs. In order to withstand the outdoors for many years, cells are sandwiched between protective materials in a combination of glass and/or plastics.

    To boost the power output of PV cells, they are connected together in chains to form larger units known as modules or panels. Modules can be used individually, or several can be connected to form arrays. One or more arrays is then connected to the electrical grid as part of a complete PV system. Because of this modular structure, PV systems can be built to meet almost any electric power need, small or large.

    PV modules and arrays are just one part of a PV system. Systems also include mounting structures that point panels toward the sun, along with the components that take the direct-current (DC) electricity produced by modules and convert it to the alternating-current (AC) electricity used to power all of the appliances in your home.

     

    US Department of Energy

    solar panels

    Interesting Facts About Solar Power

     

    While solar panels are most efficient when receiving direct sunlight, they can still generate electricity on cloudy days from sunlight that diffuses through the clouds. This is the same reason why dermatologists still recommend wearing sunscreen on cloudy days.

    solar panels in New York State

    Solar Power and New York State

    New York continues to be a national leader in the clean energy transition with the most aggressive climate change program in the nation putting the State on the path to be entirely carbon-neutral across all sectors of the economy. New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) calls for 70 percent of the State’s electricity to come from renewable sources by 2030 and 6,000 megawatts of solar by 2025. NY-Sun, New York’s solar initiative advances the scale-up of solar and is moving the State to a more sustainable, self-sufficient solar industry.

     

    NYSERDA

    Solar Power for New York Homeowners

     

    Harvest Power provides thousands of New York homeowners with clean, reliable energy through solar panel installations. From rooftop and custom installations to community solar solutions, we make it easy for New York residents to harness the sun’s power, cutting energy costs while minimizing their carbon footprint. Contact us today to learn more about we can help you.