Creating a Sustainable Future for the Adirondacks

Solar requires an upfront investment, and the cost depends on your energy usage, goals, site conditions, and whether battery storage or off-grid capability is part of the project.

A question we often ask customers is: How much will you pay your utility company over the next 10, 20, or 25 years, and what will you have to show for those payments?

For example, if your electric bill averages $195 per month, you will pay approximately:

• $23,400 over 10 years
• $46,800 over 20 years
• $58,500 over 25 years

And that’s assuming utility rates never increase. 

Many solar systems in our area are designed to pay for themselves in approximately 10 years or less through utility savings, although every project is different. Once your system has paid for itself, the electricity it produces continues to power your home or business without the monthly utility bill that comes with purchasing that same energy from the grid.

Most of the equipment we install carries warranties of up to 25 years, allowing many customers to enjoy years, and often decades, of energy production after their system has paid for itself.

Absolutely! With proper design and installation, solar is a great option in spite of our long winters and cold climates. 

Not only does solar work in the Adirondacks, it THRIVES in the Adirondacks!

Fun Facts:

• We're not guessing, we're measuring! We design your system based on your site's historic sun exposure and weather data, calculated over the past 30 years. That means your system is already sized to anticipate snow, clouds and tree coverage. 
•  We opt for bifacial solar panels whenever possible. Unlike traditional panels that generate electricity only from the front side, bifacial modules are capable of capturing sunlight from both the front and rear surfaces. In snowy climates like the Adirondacks, this allows the panels to take advantage of sunlight reflected from the ground, often increasing energy production during the winter months through what is known as the albedo effect. 
• Contrary to popular belief, it is actually HEAT that diminishes solar production,  reducing output efficiency by 10-25%.  Colder temperatures enhance energy production.
• The tilt of the racking along with the panels dark, reflective glass, promotes accelerated snow melt. 
• Even with mild coverage, sunlight still has the ability to penetrate through the snow. It is the sun's light, not heat, that generates electricity. 
• Snow also helps to clean your modules. Similar to snow melting off of a car's windshield, it takes with it all debris... another win for the snow!

   -25% Residential State Tax Credit, up to $5,000

• Must be your full time residence to qualify 

• Gets applied once when you file your taxes, but you can roll over unused credit for up to five years. It can reduce your tax liability to zero but won’t result in a refund.  

-30% Federal Tax Credit for Leasing and PPAs

• Still available for solar leases and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) through at least 2027. It's claimed by us as the installer/owner however the savings are then passed to you via lower payments.

• Projects must be establish safe harbor or begin constrution by July 4th 2026

 -New York State Sales Tax Exemption 

• Good news for New Yorkers! Solar energy systems are 100% exempt from state sales tax. That means you can save up to 8% on your solar project right from the start!

   -Energy Conservation Improvements Property Tax Exemption 

• Even though your home value will increase, this exemption prevents the taxes on your property from increasing when you convert to solar power for at least 15 years. 

Absolutely! ADK Solar assists in the application process to help simplify the process and maximize your changes of approval.

USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grant

• Covers up to 50% of total project costs for eligible rural small businesses and agricultural producers.

• Grant funding ranges from $2,500 to $1 million, depending on project size and scope.

• Low-interest loan options are also available to help finance the remaining costs.

• Funds can be used for solar installations, energy efficiency upgrades, and more.

• Applications are competitive and deadlines occur multiple times per year.

Learn more and apply: USDA REAP Grant

Yes! We believe in providing the best value while keeping your business local. 

If you receive a lower quote from another licensed solar installer, let us know. We’ll do our best to match it while ensuring you still get the high-quality products, expert installation, and reliable service that come with choosing a trusted local company. 

Our goal is to make sure you can rest easy knowing you're getting the best price without sacrificing quality or local expertise. 

No worries! Not every roof is a perfect match for solar, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. 

We can design custom ground-mounted systems, explore battery storage solutions, or find creative ways to make solar work for you. 

If your roof needs upgrades, we recommend getting them done first. It’s much more cost-effective than having to remove and reinstall panels later. Our team will assess your property and help you choose the best setup to maximize your energy savings!

If your system is grid-tied without battery storage, it will shut off during a power outage for safety reasons. But don’t worry, adding battery backup or a generator can keep your essential appliances running when the grid goes down. We’ll help you find the best solution to keep your lights on!

And if you’re off-grid? Just sit back, relax, and enjoy uninterrupted power while your friends text you from the dark, asking if they can crash at your place. 

Yes! Battery backup provides peace of mind during utility outages, but it can also come with significant financial incentives.

ADK Solar is a participating contractor in the NYSERDA Energy Storage Program and can help eligible customers access incentives that are currently available at up to $200 per kWh in much of New York, potentially reducing the cost of battery storage by several thousand dollars. Incentive levels vary by utility territory and available funding.

Whether your goal is keeping the lights on during an outage, maintaining power to critical loads such as well pumps, refrigeration, heating systems, and internet equipment, or increasing your energy independence, battery storage has become more affordable and attractive than ever before.