Frequently Asked Questions

Is PV right for our municipality, school or not-for-profit organization?
A PV system needs unobstructed access to the sun’s rays for most or all of the day throughout the year. PV panels are relatively unaffected by changing weather and the modules are angled to ‘catch’ the sun, not snow, so any snow that does collect melts quickly. Here are some important tips that will help you determine if your building is right for PV:

  • PV systems are best installed on a southern exposed roof, however some east or west exposures may also be acceptable.
  • If your building has a flat roof, there are non-penetrating ballast systems available or you can install a racking system that tilts to maximize the energy output.
  • PV systems are ideally mounted parallel with the roof at a 35 degree roof pitch with no shading between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM.
  • Shading can include trees, chimneys, TV antennas, satellite dishes, roof-mounted cooling equipment, dormers & gables.
  • A PV system can be installed on any well-structured roof. If your roof is older and needs to be replaced in the near future, you may want to replace it at the same time your PV systems is installed.
  • The amount of space needed for a PV system is based on the output & type of the sys tem. Your roof size & orientation will determine how much PV you can install on your roof.

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What is Net Metering?
Net metering occurs in instances that when a customer’s PV system may generate more electric energy than their consumption. When this occurs, the electric meter will spin in reverse. The excess electricity is returned to the LIPA system. At the end of each month, the net metered customer is billed only for the net consumption, that is, the amount of electricity consumed, less the amount of electricity produced.
Learn more.

How much PV do I need?
As a starting point, you might consider how much of your present electricity needs you would like to meet with your PV system. For example, if you would like to meet 50% of your electricity needs with PV, you would work with a solar installer to examine past electric bills and determine the size of the PV system needed to achieve that goal. Remember, your roof size and orientation will also play an important role in the size of the PV system you can install.

Contact LIPA by calling 1-800-490-0025 and request the total electricity usage, measured in kilowatt-hours, for your commercial business over the last 12 months. As your solar contractor how much your new PV system will produce annually and compare that number to your annual electric demand to get an idea of how much you will save.

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What if the sun doesn’t shine?
Your PV system will continue to produce electricity during cloudy weather, although the total amount will be reduced. Power will automatically be provided through LIPA at night or during inclement weather as needed. 

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Who can I contact for more information on PV?
For more information about LIPA’s Solar Entrepreneur Program, please call LIPA’s Energy Infoline at 1-800-692-2626. To contact a solar installer, please visit Renewable Energy Long Island at www.sunshineisfree.org,  for a listing of solar installers near you. 

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Solar

Questions?
Call the Energy Efficiency Infoline at 1-800-692-2626.