FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Solar Guy Energy Assessment Resources
Trusted partners we personally recommend
Before going solar, the smartest first step is a professional energy assessment — it finds exactly where your home or building is losing money, so every upgrade counts. There are many companies out there. These are our three picks.
- No-cost home energy assessments for all NY homeowners (1–4 family homes)
- EmPower+ covers 100% of upgrade costs for income-eligible residents — insulation, heat pumps, air sealing, electrical
- Free energy checks for small businesses and nonprofits through Green Jobs Green NY
- Rebates stack with federal Inflation Reduction Act credits
- $120 million allocated for 2026 — apply early, funds are limited
- 5,000+ in-depth audits completed for churches, seminaries, and schools
- Mission-aligned — framed around stewardship, not just cost savings
- Neutral third party: audits are never written to sell a product or service
- No-cost and low-cost wins first — essential for tight nonprofit budgets
- Clients have cut utility bills by up to 40% across multiple campuses
- Serves both houses of worship and residential clients — one referral for both
- Works discreetly to minimize disruption to parishioners during visits
- Covers residential, small commercial, and multifamily buildings
- Official NYSERDA partner — connects clients to rebates and financing
- 8,000+ families served since 2010; multiple NYSERDA excellence awards
Solar Guy Energy is not affiliated with or compensated by any of these companies. These are independent recommendations based on our research and commitment to helping you make the most informed energy decisions.
What is a home energy assessment?
A home energy assessment is a professional evaluation of how your home uses — and loses — energy. The assessment looks at insulation, air leaks, heating and cooling systems, appliances, lighting, ventilation and overall efficiency.
The goal is simple: identify ways to lower utility bills, improve comfort, reduce wasted energy and prepare your home for clean energy upgrades like solar.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that fixing insulation and air leakage first can dramatically improve the performance of a future solar system.
Who qualifies for free energy upgrades in New York?
New York State offers several programs for income-eligible households through NYSERDA’s EmPower+ initiative.
Qualified homeowners and renters may receive at no-cost:
- Home energy assessments
- Insulation upgrades
- Air sealing improvements
- Heat pumps
- Heat pump water heaters
- Electrical upgrades
- Health and safety improvements
Eligibility is generally based on household income and family size. Many households qualify without realizing it.
Are there New York programs that help improve energy efficiency?
Yes. New York offers several energy efficiency and home improvement programs designed to help qualifying residents reduce energy usage, improve comfort and lower utility costs.
Some programs are supported through New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and may provide assistance for qualifying households through participating providers and community initiatives.
- Home energy assessments
- Insulation upgrades
- Air sealing improvements
- Heat pumps
- Heat pump water heaters
- Electrical upgrades
- Health and safety improvements
The program uses a “whole home” approach — meaning it looks at how all parts of the home work together instead of focusing on only one issue at a time.
In many cases, improving efficiency before installing solar can reduce the size, cost and energy demand of the future solar system.
Can churches and nonprofits receive energy assessments?
Yes. Many churches, houses of worship, schools and nonprofit organizations can benefit from professional energy assessments designed specifically for large community buildings.
Energy studies for these facilities often identify:
- High utility-cost problem areas
- Lighting inefficiencies
- Heating and cooling improvements
- Weatherization opportunities
- Long-term operating cost reductions
Improving building efficiency can free up more resources for community programs, outreach and mission-focused work.
Should I improve energy efficiency before going solar?
In many cases, yes.
Improving insulation, sealing air leaks and upgrading inefficient systems can lower your energy usage before solar panels are installed.
A more efficient home may require a smaller solar system to offset the same energy use, which can improve overall project economics and long-term savings.
During your consultation, we can help you understand whether energy efficiency upgrades, solar, battery storage — or a combination of all three — makes the most sense for your goals.
TAX CREDITS
What is a tax credit?
A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of income tax you owe. For example, a $1,000 federal tax credit reduces your tax bill by $1,000. The federal solar tax credit is also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC). It’s different from the ITC available to businesses.
Note: The Federal Residential Solar Tax Credit (Section 25D) officially ended on December 31, 2025 as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Homeowners who purchased and installed their system before that date may still claim the credit on their 2025 tax return.
What is the New York State Solar Tax Credit?
New York State offers a credit of 25% of your system cost, up to $5,000.
Who qualifies for the NY State Tax Credit?
- System installed between Jan 1, 2017 and Dec 31, 2034.
- Installed at a U.S. residence you own.
- New, first-time installation.
How do I claim the NY State Tax Credit?
- Use Form IT-255.
- Attach proof of installation.
- File with your NY State return by the deadline.
What is the NYC Property Tax Abatement for solar?
The NYC Property Tax Abatement allows you to deduct 7.5% of your solar costs per year over four years (30% total). As of Sept 2023, the program has been extended through 2034.
How do I claim the NYC Property Tax Abatement?
- Submit a completed PTA4 form with your solar installation application.
- File Form RP-495 with the Department of Finance by March 15.
- Ensure all supporting documents are submitted on time.
Do solar companies place liens on your property?
No. Some companies file public notices (such as UCC or NOIEPC filings), but these are not liens — they are simply notices that the solar company owns the equipment.
Does a solar agreement affect the buyer’s mortgage?
No. Per Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, solar PPAs and leases do not affect a buyer’s debt-to-income ratio or loan approval. Our partners’ legal departments can provide a letter confirming compliance with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac selling guidelines. The solar bill should be treated like a utility bill — no special “solar comps” are needed for appraisal purposes.
What can I do to ensure the home sale goes smoothly?
As soon as the home seller accepts an offer, contact the solar company’s Service Transfer team so they can work with both parties to complete all agreement transfer steps. Transfers are easiest when the solar agreement is disclosed early and made a contingency of the sale.
What if the new homeowner does not pass the soft credit check?
There are usually multiple options for buyers who don’t pass the soft credit check. Have them contact the solar provider directly to discuss alternatives.
What happens if the new homeowner does not want the solar system?
One option: add the remaining system balance to your asking price. For example, a $600k home becomes $620k. Let the buyer know the system will be removed. After closing, you pay off the system and have the panels removed.
Many providers have a high transfer success rate. If you contact them early, they can help answer questions and reduce concerns. If a transfer still isn’t a fit, they’ll review other options with you.
How do I know which type of agreement the seller originally signed?
The seller can log into their online account to view the original agreement, system design and any other documents needed for the sale.
How much power does a solar energy system produce?
Production depends on panel type, number of panels, roof location, shading, and more. During your consultation, we’ll look at your annual usage and system design so you can see what your roof can realistically produce.
Clean Energy Tax Credits Made Simple
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) created and expanded a wide range of clean energy tax credits for homeowners, businesses, nonprofits and builders — including credits for going solar, installing batteries, building efficient homes, driving EVs and more.
During your consultation, we’ll translate all of this into plain English and focus on what applies to you — so you understand your options before you make a decision.
Ready to get clarity on your own home or project?
Let’s talk. We are solar education professionals.
