Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What brands of solar panels do you use when installing a solar system?

Answer: The solar panel varies between brands. We have access to all panels as shown on our website. When we choose a solar panel for a customer we look at several criteria including, warranty, cost, reputation, efficiencies, active materials such as (Mono-crystalline, Poly-crystalline, thin films, CIGS, and am-orphic laminates. 

Question: How do you mount solar panels to a roof?

Answer: Every solar system installation is different depending on the style of roof. Generally in Central New York we use asphalt or fiberglass shingles. With these types of roofs we use one of two options. The first is an L-foot that lags to the roof rafter and then is filled with an industrial sealant to assure no leaks. The L-feet are made of high strength aluminum and are designed to with stand wind and snow loading. The second option is to use a riser mount that rises the solar panels from the roof 3-7 inches off the roof decking. We then put a flashing with a rubber grommet around the riser and then tuck the flashing under the existing shingles along with some industrial sealant that forms a waterproof bond. The advantage of the risers is it gives the solar panels and roof some room to breath. The additional ventilation helps the solar panel keep cool where they work more efficient.

Question: Will it cost me any money for an evaluation of my home or business for either solar or wind.

Answer: No, we are working hard not to charge customer for site evaluations. The cost of gasoline and travel are often mitigated by the good will we form with our customers. Other companies charge a fee because they want to eliminate customer that are not going to install a system with them right a way. Their philosophy is that they want only the most interested customer and are not willing to build a bond of trust. Some times we do site evaluations for customers that are exploring their options, and then a year and a half later the customer calls back and decides to install a solar system.

Question: What is better a roof mounted system or a ground mounted system.

Answer: Both are acceptable and have their uses. For people that have a south facing with the proper slope a roof mounted system is better. Some customers do not have a south facing roof and then their best option is to place their solar system on the ground. Ground mounted solar system can be installed on a high-profile mount, low-profile mount, or a top of a pole mount. The ground mounted system has the advantage of having the snow brushed off of them in the winter. The second advantage is the solar panels can be adjusted seasonally to receive additional solar gain. 

Question: How will snow affect our solar system?

Answer: Having grown up in Syracuse and gone to school in Oswego we have a full understanding of how much snow we can get in a winter. There is unfortunately very little that we can do to prevent snow on the solar panels. Any snow on the solar panels will affect their performance for the time that they are covered. The good news this is figured into our calculations for average sun density. The second part of the good news is that the additional light that the snow reflects of the ground and the cold weather will increase the solar panels performance. 

Question: Who does all the paper work?

Answer: We do. We will contact your local town, acquire any needed permits, complete all Standard Interconnection Agreement (SIR) for you local utility and all the New York State Energy and Research Development Agency (NYSERDA) grants. Additionally, we contact the electrical inspectors, and submit all grant claim forms. All you have to do is read the paperwork, and sign. It is that easy.

Questions: Who pays for the permits?

Answer: We do. That is part of our agreements.

Question: How do we know if the system is installed correctly? 

Answer: Your solar system will be installed by trained and NYSERDA approved installers. Each system goes through our own internal inspection before we ever call in the electrical inspectors. After our certified installer completes their multipoint inspection then we contact one of several local independent electrical inspectors to come and inspect our work. Once this inspection is completed and we receive the inspection certificate then we contact your utility to complete their inspection. When the utility inspects your system and approves our work they will change your current electrical meter with a bi-directional meter. Finally, NYSERDA will send one of their engineers to inspect your system. NYSERDA does this so that the highest standards of engineering and installation are upheld.

Question: How do we know if we qualify for the NYSERDA cash Rebate?
Answer: To qualify for the NYSERDA rebate grant under PON716 and PON1050 you must pay into the program. Must utilities in New York State including NYSEG and National Grid pay into this fund. To check and see if you qualify check your utility bill and see if there is a charge that is listed as SBC/RPC. If you have this small charge on your utility bill then you qualify. If you are in a municipality owned electrical such as Solvay electric or a Co-op and you do not pay the SBC/RPC charge then you won’t qualify for the cash solar rebate grant.

Question: How do I get started?

Answer: Well you have made a great first step by visiting us at Syracuse Solar and Wind LLC. All you have to do is contact us via our form on the contact page or call us at 1-877-59solar. We will review your information and ask some preliminary question do determine your viability for solar. We will then ask to schedule an appointment to review your location and then make recommendations. Once you have heard our recommendation and made a few preliminary decisions we will go back to our office do a preliminary design and then create your estimate. This usually takes a few days. We will then e-mail or meet to give you your estimate. 

Question: How long does it take form the time I contact you until the time we can have our system installed?

Answer: It depends on you. We can process our paperwork in as little as 3 days and then submit all the designs, paperwork and permits to the proper departments. It then usually takes NYSERDA and the Utilities about 30-45 days to process all the paperwork and return your approval letters back to you. Once we receive the approval letters we can order the products and then come in and install the solar system. Total it takes about two months from start to finish. Customers that need to make decision about the location of the system, its aesthetics, and how large of a system you will need. We will work with you to complete the process on your timeline.