New York AG Introduces Tips for Going Solar in the State
New York’s Attorney General has introduced a new guide to help Empire State residents go solar responsibly. The guide is intended to provide information about the various solar options in the state and to help people better understand what they need to consider when going solar.
The new guide from Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office, “Going Solar: Tips and Considerations for Homeowners”, offers information about solar purchases, solar leases, and power purchase agreements (PPA), how to evaluate solar companies and solar system proposals. It also reminds consumers to see if there are any local incentives, Solarize programs that would further reduce the cost of a solar array or if there is a local community solar project residents can buy into even if they’re home can’t support a solar array.
“New York’s solar power market is growing by leaps and bounds, offering homeowners lower electric bills and clean power in every corner of the state,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. Indeed, New York’s records show that more than 50,000 New Yorkers have installed solar power.
“As with any new technology, many homeowners interested in solar power for their homes may not know where to start,” Schneiderman continued. “These tips will help homeowners become more savvy consumers by providing information on home solar electric systems and providers, and important issues they should consider before entering a contract.”
The guide explains important issues including: power production guarantees, price escalator clauses, roof insurance, and home sale considerations. It also makes recommendations like seek estimates from more than one solar installer, check their local references and get everything in writing. Such tools are widely available at SolarReviews.com and through other outlets like New York’s recently released solar map.
The guide was widely praised, locally and nationally. “We are pleased to see that Attorney General Schneiderman has put out thoughtful guidance for homeowners so that they can make informed decisions to invest in solar energy,” said Tom Kimbis, interim president of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “The need for a well-educated consumer is a message that we have been carrying across the country in a very vocal way. This is particularly important given the massive growth of solar taking place in the United States. From our business code of ethics, to our consumer buyers guide, to standardized disclosure forms, SEIA has produced some of the most carefully considered and advanced consumer protections in the country and we are pleased to see that New York and other states have taken similarly constructive steps to educate consumers."
"In the past few years, the NYS solar market has grown an astounding 575% and as more home owners, business leaders, campuses, etc. consider going solar, it's vital that they make informed decisions,” said Betta Broad, Outreach Director, New Yorkers for Clean Power. “Attorney General Schneiderman's consumer tips couldn't come at a better time.”
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