Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) About Solar with AEC Solar

With AEC Solar, installing solar is simple and hassle-free. Our team takes care of everything—from system design and permitting to installation and activation. We ensure the process runs smoothly, with minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.

To protect your investment, we only recommend top-tier panels with industry-leading warranties, so you can count on long-term performance and peace of mind.

Typically, from approval to installation, the process takes 30–90 days. This timeframe includes permitting, inspections, quality control, state and federal subsidy approvals, and installation. Our team is committed to expediting the process while ensuring compliance with all regulations.

The cost of going solar depends on factors like your energy usage, roof size, and system design. Every home or business is different, so there’s no one-size-fits-all price.

The best way to get an accurate number is to schedule a free consultation with our team. We’ll review your energy needs, walk your property (virtually or in person), and provide a personalized quote tailored to your goals and budget.

There are many great incentives for utility solar and storage to help stabilize your costs, save money, and generate power and savings! These include:

1. Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC): Claim a 30% tax credit on the cost of your system.
2. New York State Solar Energy System Equipment Tax Credit: Receive up to 25% of your personal system cost as a state tax credit, with a maximum benefit of $5,000.
3. Solar Sales Tax Exemption: Get a 100% exemption from state sales tax.
4. Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS): Benefit from a business MACRS tax deduction.
5. USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants: Farms and certain businesses are eligible for competitive grants. AEC can assist with writing applications.
6. New York State Real Property Tax Exemption: Installing solar can increase the property value of your home. This exemption helps offset the increased value from your property taxes.

NYC Solar Property Tax Abatement: If applicable, this program allows you to reduce property taxes as part of your solar installation.

There are many different panels and systems on the market. AEC works with high-quality manufacturers and maintains strict warranty and manufacturing criteria for our systems. The solar panels we use carry a 25- to 40-year warranty, covering materials and power output, depending on which system you choose. This ensures your investment is protected for decades. Higher-quality systems, with better production, performance, and lower degradation, generally offer the best warranties!

Yes! We use specialized mounting systems that securely attach panels to flat roofs, optimizing their tilt for maximum sun exposure and energy generation.

Solar systems are long-term investments. They reduce electricity costs and make your property more attractive to buyers, as solar-powered homes and businesses are often perceived as sustainable and energy-efficient. Several studies show that properties with solar increase in value by 4% to 10% compared to those without solar or other energy upgrades—primarily because they are less expensive to operate!

See more here:

• Learn more about how solar can increase the value of your home!

Most homeowners see an ROI within 4–10 years, depending on factors like utility rates, energy consumption, and local incentives. AEC Solar will help you evaluate these factors during your consultation.

At AEC Solar, we’re committed to delivering exceptional quality and customer service. Our solutions are tailored to your needs, and our 24/7 monitoring system ensures your solar panels are always operating at peak performance.

Yes! Pairing an EV charger with your solar system allows you to power your electric vehicle with clean, renewable energy, reducing both your carbon footprint and electricity costs. Charge your EV with the power of the sun!

We offer the following chargers, each tailored to fit your needs:

1. Tesla Wall Connector (Gen 2 & 3): High-speed charging designed specifically for Tesla vehicles.
2. ChargePoint Home Flex: Versatile charger compatible with all EV models.
3. Enphase EV Charger: Perfect for homes with Enphase solar systems, providing seamless integration and high performance.

When selecting an EV charger, consider:

• Compatibility: Ensure it supports your vehicle model.
• Charging Speed: Choose a charger with sufficient output for your daily driving needs.
• Connectivity: Look for app-based controls to monitor and manage charging sessions.

When you install a solar energy system, you may qualify for the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 30% of the total system cost as a credit on your federal income taxes. For example, if your system costs $50,000, you could receive a $15,000 federal tax credit.

In addition to the federal incentive, New York State offers a 25% solar tax credit (up to $5,000) to further reduce your out-of-pocket cost. These incentives combined can significantly lower the total cost of your solar investment and improve your return.

New York State offers a tax credit of up to 25% of your system's cost, capped at $5,000. This credit can be spread over five years, helping to reduce your state income tax liability significantly.

Yes, the NYC Solar Property Tax Abatement program provides a reduction in your property taxes when you install solar panels. The abatement applies a percentage of your system cost as a property tax reduction over four years.

Net metering is a billing arrangement that lets you earn full retail value for the excess electricity your solar system produces. When your system generates more power than your home or business uses—especially during sunny months—the surplus energy is sent back to the utility grid. In return, you receive energy credits on your electric bill.

These credits work just like cash: for every dollar’s worth of electricity you export to the grid, you get a dollar’s worth of credit. You can use these credits to offset future electricity costs, especially during times when your system produces less energy, like in the winter or on cloudy days.

In short, net metering maximizes your savings by ensuring no solar energy goes to waste—turning your meter into a two-way value system.

By combining the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the 25% New York State Solar Tax Credit (up to $5,000), and the ongoing benefits of net metering, you can reduce your upfront costs by up to 55% or more. Over time, net metering continues to add value by lowering your monthly electric bills—often bringing them close to zero.

This powerful combination of incentives makes going solar not just environmentally smart, but also a highly cost-effective investment that pays you back year after year.

Our team at AEC Solar will guide you through the process of applying for all eligible tax credits and incentives. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the savings available to you.

Yes — beyond tax incentives and energy savings, going solar offers several long-term financial advantages. Solar panels increase your property value, making your home more attractive to future buyers. Plus, by generating your own electricity, you’re shielded from rising utility rates, giving you greater control over your monthly expenses.

In short, solar isn’t just an environmental decision — it’s a smart financial investment that delivers real returns year after year.

At AEC Solar, we offer a range of flexible financing options to fit your budget and goals. You can choose to:

• Purchase your system outright for maximum long-term savings
  
  
• Finance it through a solar loan with low monthly payments
  
  
• Lease your system or enter a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with little to no upfront cost
  
  

We also accept credit card payments if that’s more convenient for you. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through each option to help you find the best fit for your situation.

AEC Solar offers flexible financing options, including solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). You can choose to purchase your system outright, finance it with a loan, or go with a lease or PPA that requires little to no upfront cost. You can even pay by credit card if that’s more convenient!

Financing lets you go solar with little to no upfront cost, allowing you to start saving on your energy bills immediately. Many options offer low monthly payments, and with solar loans, you still qualify for valuable tax credits and incentives. In many cases, your energy savings are greater than your monthly payments — meaning your return on investment starts from day one. With no capital investment required, you're generating real savings right away, plus the bonus of potential rebates and federal tax credits.

Qualification depends on the lender or financing provider. While some options require good credit, there are programs designed for homeowners with lower credit scores. AEC Solar can help you explore options that fit your financial situation.

If you purchase your system—either outright or with a loan—you may qualify for the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), along with various state and local incentives. However, if you choose to lease, those benefits usually go to the leasing company. In some states, certain incentives still apply directly to the homeowner regardless of how the system is financed.

With a solar lease or PPA, you don’t own the system, but you pay a fixed monthly amount (lease) or a reduced rate for the electricity generated (PPA). These options often require little to no upfront payment and provide immediate energy savings.

Solar loans, leases, and PPAs typically range from 10 to 25 years. The length of your financing term affects your monthly payments and overall savings.

Yes! A financed solar system can increase your home’s value. Homes with solar panels tend to sell faster and at higher prices, especially if the system is owned rather than leased.  Click Here to See how Solar Will Increase the Value of Your Home!

Contact AEC Solar for a free consultation! We’ll help you determine the best financing option based on your budget, energy goals, and eligibility for incentives.

Home solar battery storage allows you to store the excess electricity your solar panels generate during the day. Instead of sending that surplus energy back to the grid, it’s stored in a battery system for you to use later — at night, during cloudy weather, or when there's a power outage.

This not only gives you greater energy independence and reliability, but also helps you save money. You can avoid paying high utility rates during peak hours by using your stored solar energy instead. And unlike traditional gas generators, which are limited by how much fuel you have on hand, solar battery systems recharge daily with the sun. With the right-sized storage, you can maintain backup power for 7+ days during sunny conditions and typically up to 3 days or more during cloudy weather, depending on your energy usage and battery capacity.

Additionally, many batteries today qualify for Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs, which allow your system to share stored energy with the local grid during times of high demand. In return, you can earn extra savings or credits on your utility bill — turning your home into a mini power plant that works for you.

Solar batteries allow you to store and use more of your solar energy instead of sending it back to the grid. This maximizes your energy savings by reducing — or even eliminating — your need to buy electricity from your utility company during high-cost periods. You can use your stored energy automatically during peak rates or power outages, providing both savings and stability. Everything is managed automatically, and you can also control your system easily through our app.

Additionally, many solar battery systems are eligible for Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs, which let you share excess stored energy with the grid during times of high demand. In return, you earn credits or payouts — helping you generate even more savings just by having a battery installed.

Yes! Modern solar batteries are designed with advanced technology to be safe and reliable for home use. They include built-in protections against overheating and overcharging, and many are backed by warranties of 10–15 years or more. Plus, most systems are monitored 24/7 through smart apps, giving you real-time visibility and peace of mind.

Yes, a home solar battery provides stability by keeping essential appliances running when the grid goes down. Solar batteries don’t require fuel unlike traditional generators, making them a cleaner and quieter backup power solution.

When installed properly, most solar battery systems last between 10 and 15 years, depending on how they’re used and maintained. Premium batteries often come with long-term warranties and are built to deliver safe, reliable power throughout their lifespan.

The right battery system size depends on your energy needs and goals. We’ll help you choose a battery that offers the best balance of savings, stability, and reliability based on your household’s electricity usage and backup power requirements.

Contact AEC Solar today for a free consultation! Our team will help you design a custom solar-plus-storage system that maximizes your savings and provides a safe, reliable energy solution tailored to your home.