Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) About Solar with AEC Solar

With AEC Solar, the process is simple and seamless. Our team handles everything—from planning and permitting to installation and activation—ensuring quality, efficiency, and long-term energy production. This is why we typically recommend only panels with the best warranties.

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 installation varies based on the size of your system and your energy needs. For an accurate estimate, schedule a consultation with our team, and we’ll provide a personalized quote.

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.

The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to claim 30% of the total cost of your system installation as a credit on your federal income taxes. For example, if your system costs $218,000, you can claim a $6,000 tax credit. This applies to both residential and commercial solar systems.

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 allows you to send excess energy your solar system produces back to the grid in exchange for credits. These credits can be used to offset your energy costs during months when your system generates less energy, such as in the winter.

By combining federal and state tax credits with net metering benefits, you can reduce your upfront solar costs by up to 55% or more. This makes solar a smart financial investment, as well as an environmentally friendly choice.

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.

In addition to tax incentives, installing solar panels can increase your property value and protect you from rising energy costs. It’s a long-term investment that pays off in savings and sustainability.

AEC Solar offers multiple financing options, including solar loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). You can choose to buy your system outright, finance it through a loan, or opt for a lease/PPA with little to no upfront cost.  You can also pay by Credit card if you like!

Financing allows you to start saving on energy costs immediately without a large upfront investment. Many financing options offer low monthly payments, and with solar loans, you can still take advantage of tax credits and incentives. If financing, your payback is immediate, because your savings are generally more than your payments. The bonus is additional rebates and tax credits too!

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 (outright or through a loan), you may qualify for the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), as well as state and local incentives. However, if you lease your system, the benefits typically go to the leasing company. Some state incentives pass directly to the homeowner regardless of financing!

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. See here: https://sunpower.showpad.com/share/8Gbs4509FKJ7Ywrdi8cIy

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.

A home solar battery stores excess energy generated by your solar panels for use when the sun isn’t shining. This provides greater savings and stability by reducing reliance on the grid and allowing you to use stored energy during power outages or during peak electricity rates (creating savings!).

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. This provides greater savings and stability also by allowing you to use stored energy during power outages or during peak electricity rates (creating savings!). This is automatic and can be switched from the app on our systems.

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 10-20 years or more.

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.

If installed correctly, Most solar battery systems last 10–25 years, depending on usage and maintenance. High-quality batteries come with warranties that ensure they continue providing safe and reliable power for years.

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! We’ll help you design a solar-plus-storage system that maximizes savings while ensuring your home has a safe and reliable energy solution.