What Is Solar Energy?

Solar energy is power from the sun that is captured and converted into electricity using solar panels. It’s a clean, renewable energy source that helps reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.

Solar Benefits and Limitations

Benefits of Solar Energy:

• Solar panels don’t produce air pollution or carbon emissions, making them a clean and climate-friendly energy source.
• When installed on buildings, solar systems have minimal impact on the environment and land use.

Limitations of Solar Energy:

• Sunlight isn’t always consistent—it varies based on location, time of day, season, and weather.
• Because sunlight is spread out, solar systems require a relatively large surface area to generate significant amounts of energy.

That’s why battery storage is important.

Batteries allow homes and communities to store excess solar energy during the day and use it later—like at night or during cloudy weather—making solar power more reliable and available when it’s needed most.

Thinking about going solar?

Currently over 50,000 homes and businesses on Long Island derive all or part of their electricity from the sun. The cost of solar panels has been dropping steadily over time, and between rebates offered by PSEG-Long Island and federal and state tax credits, in most cases solar energy systems are paid off in 5-10 years. Once paid off, aside from a modest fee connecting you to the grid, the electricity your panels generate is free.

Now is a great time to go solar. There are different ways to power your home with solar, with options for homeowners and renters. If you purchase a residential system, incentives for going solar typically cover up to 60-65% of a system's cost. But purchase is not required; there are options to access solar power generated locally at prices that are lower than the utilities', including a new free subscription program for income-eligible New York residents.

The Long Island Clean Energy Hub Community Energy Advisors can help you figure out which option may work for you.

1. Residential Solar - solar panels on your roof or property
2. Community Solar Subscription - short-term contract for purchasing solar power from solar farm

For more information on solar check out the Long Island Clean Energy Hubs website with more information: https://www.lismartenergychoices.org/solar-energy-overview

More Resources about Solar Energy:

For Children:

• Energy Kids Solar Basics
• Earth911 solar facts 
• Little Sun Learning Guides

Factsheets about Solar:

• University of Wisconsin factsheet
• U.S Department of Energy
• Environmental Protection Agency Factsheet
• Solar Energy UK factsheet