The big apple’s solar bust 

The New York governor Andrew Cuomo is a leader of policies to support the shift to a renewable energy. The state requests half of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Solar is fully supported  by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) that includes the block grant incentive program, the indefinite extension of net metering, and the Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE). Quite a backing. 
 

The potential stays untapped 

With a governer that embraces change for solar energy and several agencies backing as well, what’s the hold up? There are some barriers living in the big apple with solar energy. The procedure for securing permits for solar PV through the city’s Department of Buildings (DOB) turns out to be a scene from a soap opera. It takes a year to get a permit for a PV system at this time. There are extreme delays since the department can’t handle the sheer volume. The New York Solar Energy Society (NYSES) states that the lack of a solar-specific internal team at the department combined with the inability to submit electronic filings is to be of partial blame. 
 
To make matters worse, there isn’t coordination between the electrical and construction units of DOB. This adds more frustration to the procedure of securing permits. Some inspectors will fail you while others will pass you. It takes 6 months to get results and even then you’re not guaranteed a secured permit. Delays and more delays have caused solar energy prospects to cancel thus solar companies losing out on potential profit. 

Building owners note the size of a PV system that can put on their rooftops is often too small. There’s a limited portion of this space that can be used for rooftop PV. The Fire Department City of New York (FDNY) mandates clearance around roof vents and obstructions and 6 foot (1.8 meter) clearance around the perimeter of a flat roof. This requirement gives access for firefighters using aerial ladders. In some circumstances, firefighters may require more venting that could lead to cutting the roof to ventilate the heat and smoke. 
 

Some solar companies just bite the dust 
 
From one delay to another, some solar companies started to wonder when this will all be resolved. With their valid concerns and more installation obstacles to face, the potential profits appear more bleak. 

Another huge barrier for solar installers is that no workman’s compensation is designated within the state resulting in unpredictable and high insurance costs. In addition to this, there’s a lack of coordination between the DOB and FDNY. While the DOB is neutral to solar installation, the fire department can overrule solar installs. Meanwhile, the customer loses interest as time is heavily delayed and the installation is not completed. So with that being said, without the the cooperation of FDNY and the DOB, this potential will remain unfulfilled.

If you want to move into the future and join the solar revolution, or if you want to find out what solar panels are right for you, go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. You can see how much a system will cost, and how much you can save over the next 20 years. For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.