If you’ve considered going off-grid and choosing solar power, now may be the perfect time to take the leap.
Now, with community solar — where solar farms are built and qualified residents can subscribe to a portion of the farm — consumers can benefit from solar energy and also receive solar credits for the solar energy generated there.
“Not only can residents support locally produced renewable power, but they can do it without rooftop panel installations,” says Krishna Patel, director of NRG Community Solar, which builds and operates solar farms within the Hudson Valley.
Indeed, there are few arguments against a zero electricity bill each month. If you do want to go the traditional route, Sunrise Solar Systems offers programs for homes of all sizes, from tiny homes up to mansions, says Doug Hertz, CEO of Sunrise, which serves Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess, and Ulster counties. And new battery storage systems, like Sunrise’s Sonnenbatterie, mean that you’ll still have power when the sun doesn’t shine — even during longterm power outages.
The Sonnenbatterie is a modular system, meaning you can buy as much or as little storage as you want. Then, any overflow from your home’s solar panels is stored in the battery to keep essential appliances and electrical systems, such as refrigerators, heating systems, and telephones, running.
The Sonnenbatterie can also be recharged with a traditional generator during the day, ensuring a quiet night: no more loud motors to disrupt your (or your neighbors’) sleep.
