Solar Entrepreneur Program: FAQs

Is my commercial business right for PV?
Commercial buildings tend to be well suited for PV because they are typically large and flat with minimum shading or nearby obstructions.

  • 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. In fact, some PV cells actually work better at colder temperatures.
  • 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.
  • A southern exposure is recommended, but in some cases, east and west exposures can work as well.
  • Building integrated PV, that is, photovoltaic applications that are built into the building’s structure, offer a range of dynamic opportunities for design in energy systems.
  • LIPA strongly recommends that you contact a local solar installer/ contractor to determine what types of PV options are available to meet your building’s needs; you should secure 2 to 3 estimates to compare PV equipment, potential savings and pricing.

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 about LIPA’s Commercial Net Metering Tariff.

How much PV do I need?
It is important to properly size your commercial PV system to meet the annual electricity needs of your business. 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. Ask 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. Back to top

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. Back to top

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 www.renewableenergylongisland.org for a listing of solar installers near you. Back to top

Last Updated: 10/02/2009