SunshineIsFree: Connecting you to qualified solar contractors on Long Island

3 Steps To Becoming a
Solar PV Owner

Renewable Technologies

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Make sure your system counts!

Contractors, Join the Network!

Long Island, with its high electric rates and above-average amount of sunshine, is ideal for solar energy. With attractive LIPA rebates, federal and state income tax credits, and now solar leasing options, right now is the best time for you to go solar!

Interested in lowering your utility bills? Whether you are a homeowner ready to go solar, or are looking to power your business with solar electricity, LIPA's rebate programs coupled with federal and state tax credits make solar more affordable than ever. And now, with LIPA offering a solar leasing option, homeowners can get a solar electric system installed without having to come up with the upfront investment.

Renewable Energy Long Island (reLI), a not-for-profit organization, offers this SunshineIsFree.org solar calculator and contractor locator free of charge as a public information service.

Ready to go solar?

There are three simple steps (see buttons in the left frame):
1. Determine your Solar Suitability
2. Calculate Your Savings (plus rebates & tax credits)
3. Find a Contractor (and request proposals online)
Let's get started!

Are you a good candidate for solar?

Would you like to reduce or even eliminate your electric bills? Yes! No

Does a good portion of your roof get unshaded sunshine for most of the day throughout the year? Yes! No

Are you interested in making your own electricity, pollution-free, with fuel provided free of charge by Mother Nature? Yes! No

Would you like to lessen our country's dependence on fossil fuels? Yes! No

Do you want to take advantage of LIPA's Solar Pioneer cash rebate? Yes! No

Is your roof in decent condition? Yes! No

Do you own your own home? Yes! No

December 1, 2010 - Changes to LIPA’s Solar Entrepreneur Program

As of December 1, 2010 at 1:00PM the Solar Entrepreneur Program (for businesses, not-for-profits, schools, and municipalities) 750kW ($1.75 per watt) Block is fully subscribed. No further applications will be accepted until January 1, 2011.

December 1 Solar Pioneer (residential) Program

LIPA has updated their Solar Pioneer Program to again include rebates of $1.75 per watt for residential systems up to 10kW. The Maximum Rebate paid by LIPA per metered account will not exceed 10kW DC or 50% of the installed costs. Additional limitations may apply. Further changes may be coming on January 1, 2011. See http://www.lipower.org/residential/efficiency/renewables/solar.html for more information.

More information is available on the LIPA website at http://lipower.org/residential/efficiency/renewables/solar-blocks.html

Courtesy of DOE/NREL

How to use this site:

Step 1

Take the "Solar Suitability Quiz."

Step 2

Calculate your savings.

(You will need your Annual Electricity Usage. Call LIPA to get the most accurate estimate: 800-490-0025.)

Step 3

Enter your desired percentage of energy supplied by solar (default is 100%).

Step 4

Find-a-Contractor: select at least 3 solar contractors by clicking each box.

Step 5

Enter your contact information and click "Request FREE Solar Estimate."

Step 6

Watch your email for confirmation from solar@RenewableEnergy
LongIsland.org.

Step 7

Receive a call or email from the contractors you selected.