Solar is a smart and efficient way to power air conditioning systems, so it’s not surprising that the idea is beginning to catch on with the development of innovative technology. Solar-powered air conditioning systems can save energy and reduce expenses. But can solar air conditioning work here in NYC?
While there are challenges to using solar air conditioning here, the benefits can be significant and NYC has taken steps to incentivize installing solar power.
Here’s what HVAC installers and service providers need to know to get prepared for the future of solar powered air conditioning, and how to talk to customers about the benefits.
What are the benefits of solar air conditioning?
Reducing emissions
Air conditioning uses as much as 6% of all electricity produced in the US. We need cooling most when the sun is at its strongest. So it makes sense to take advantage of the power of the sun to provide cleaner energy for air conditioning.
Powering traditional air conditioners releases roughly 140 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere every year. 71% of emissions in NYC are from buildings. Installing a new solar powered air conditioning system, or upgrading an old AC system with solar panels, is one of the most efficient steps people can take to improve air quality in the city and mitigate climate change.
Saving money
The cost of solar air conditioning is all up front, but that cost is locked in at installation, whereas the cost of grid electricity will only go up. NYC electricity costs 40% more than the national average. Having solar panels also gives customers the opportunity to sell excess power back to the utility company. Choosing solar AC can save money over time.
Going solar in NYC
NYC is not the easiest place to install solar air conditioning, but it’s a challenge worth meeting. Installation is limited by the availability of roof space. And it requires specialized expertise to build on city rooftops (although NYC HVAC contractors already do similar work installing other types of systems).
That hasn’t stopped New York from becoming one of the leading cities in the country in solar panel installations. There are several installation solutions that help, including canopies that raise solar panels above roof level.
Growth of solar in NYC
Environment America recently found NYC to be sixth in the country for solar panel installations, and first on the east coast. For total solar panels installed, NYC is preceded only by Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Honolulu, and San Jose.
Since 2014, New York City’s solar installations have quadrupled. The city is also home to some of the largest rooftop solar arrays on apartment complexes in the country. Plenty of New Yorkers have found good reasons to seek out solar power in the city.
Energy regulations
A few years ago, New York City passed the Climate Mobilization Act as part of a plan to create jobs and reduce the effects of climate change. The bill requires new building construction and buildings undergoing major roof renovations to include solar panels and/or a green roof.
One of the main goals is to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of buildings in the city. The act sets emissions limits on buildings over 25,000 square feet. Installing solar powered air conditioning is a way to help make big reductions in emissions, especially for older buildings.
Solar powered air conditioner options
PV hybrid solar air conditioner
A PV hybrid system uses photovoltaic cells to power a traditional HVAC unit. The solar panels charge a battery and the air conditioning system runs off the battery. The great thing about this option is that you can upgrade an existing HVAC system by patching in solar panels. It can also power other appliances in the building when the AC is not in use.
Thermal hybrid solar air conditioner
In a thermal hybrid unit, refrigerant runs through an array of vacuum tubes on the roof, which gets heated by the sun instead of using a compressor. This technology can reduce HVAC electricity usage by up to 40 percent.
Sunlight requirements for solar air conditioning
Google has a tool called Project Sunroof to help estimate the potential savings your customers stand to gain from installing solar panels. The tools uses Google earth satellite imagery to scan rooftops and use their size, angle, and shade covering to see which areas get the most sunlight.
You can enter a building’s address and see how much sunlight the building gets and how much space can be used for solar panels. This information can help you determine if a solar air conditioning system is a viable option for the customer.
Large, sunny, south-facing rooftops make the best candidates for solar air conditioning systems. Places with the most sunlight could generate more solar power and have a greater need for efficient cooling.
NYC financial incentives for solar power
When considering the cost of solar air conditioning, keep in mind that NYC and the state have several incentives that can help alleviate the upfront cost of system installation for customers.
Several of these opportunities will reduce or end in the next few years, so now is a great time to recommend a solar powered air conditioner, while customers can still take advantage of these benefits.
Federal Solar Income Tax Credit: If a customer installs solar panels in 2022, they can claim 26% of the costs as a credit to federal income taxes. The amount decreases to 22% in 2023.
New York State Solar Income Tax Credit: When installing new solar panels, a 5000 dollar credit can be claimed on state income taxes. This benefit can be divided over several years.
New York State Solar Rebate: New York State currently offers a rebate of $.20 per watt of solar installed in residential construction projects in NYC.
NYC Solar Property Tax Abatement: Customers can claim 20% of solar installation costs as a property tax abatement with the city. This is a 5% reduction per year for 4 years. This program will end in December 2024.
Another financial component to mention to customers is that getting solar air conditioning increases property values in a few ways. Solar panels increase property value by an average 5.4%. Higher efficiency HVAC and solar AC systems increase it even more.
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