Making the Solar Switch: A Guide for Homeowners and Co-op Board Members

Sponsored By Brooklyn SolarWorks

Brooklyn SolarWorks is a Gowanus-based solar design and installation firm serving New York City's homes and businesses.

Created By Brownstoner

Whether you’re a homeowner or a co-op board member looking to introduce solar power to your building, there are compelling reasons to do it this year. Check out why at Brooklyn SolarWorks’ free webinar Making the Solar Switch on May 13 at 3 p.m. Register here.

With Local Law 97 now in effect — NYC’s landmark climate legislation requiring large buildings to significantly reduce their carbon emissions — and the first fines expected this May for non-compliant buildings, solar power offers a way to be compliant while generating savings.

For individual homeowners, the decision is straightforward: Federal, state, and city incentives can offset about 75 percent of installation costs, with systems typically paying for themselves in four to six years through reduced energy bills.

For co-op board members, while the process requires additional steps, solar power presents an attractive proposition to fellow board members and residents. Here’s why:

• Solar installation helps buildings comply with Local Law 97’s emission requirements while reducing operating costs through lower electricity bills.
• While other compliance methods like building retrofits and electrification can also generate long-term savings, solar power offers significant advantages: substantial tax incentives, relatively quick installation, and predictable returns through electricity generation. Additionally, unlike carbon offset purchases, which represent an ongoing expense, solar installation is a one-time investment that provides returns over decades.
• The timing is ideal. New York’s current incentive structure makes the financial case particularly strong for co-ops, with commercial-scale installations eligible for rebates up to four times higher than residential properties. Combined with the 30 percent federal tax credit and NYC’s property tax abatement, the investment becomes highly attractive.

Concerned about presenting to your board? Brooklyn SolarWorks can help prepare proposals that address common concerns about roof integrity, installation logistics, and financial returns. They’ll provide detailed ROI analysis, engineering assessments, and clear timelines that help build consensus among stakeholders.

Whether you’re making decisions for your own home or advocating for your building, now is the time to explore solar power. Schedule a consultation to learn how your property can benefit from this smart investment in Brooklyn’s sustainable future.

Take the first step toward energy independence and sustainable property management by checking out the free webinar Making the Solar Switch on May 13 at 3 p.m. Register here. Closed captioning will be available. Those who wish to access it may select it by selecting “live transcript” once joining the webinar.

Or reach out to Brooklyn SolarWorks today.

[Photos via Brooklyn SolarWorks]