EmPower Solar

• End-to-End Service
• EmPower Solar Panels and Equipment
• EmPower Solar Payment Options
• Comprehensive EmPower Solar Installation Process
• Squirrel/Animal Solar System Guard
• Solar Energy Storage Options
• Solar EV Charging Stations

End-to-End Service

One of the distinct advantages of going solar through EmPower Solar is the company's end-to-end service. From the initial consultation and design, to the actual installation and maintenance of the system, the company manages every step of the solar transition process completely in-house. This means consistent service across the board, as well as clear communication throughout the installation process.

It is important to note that EmPower doesn’t manufacture its own solar panels. Instead, the solar panels that EmPower will install on your roof will be from SunPower, a trusted solar panel manufacturer in the industry. EmPower will design your solar system, based on the specifications of your home and roof, and the company will then install the system itself. Some solar companies outsource installation work to third-party contractors, which can cause some miscommunication and delays in the solar process; however, this isn’t the case with EmPower.

EmPower Solar Panels and Equipment

As a solar installer, EmPower Solar does not manufacture its own equipment. Instead, the company offers equipment from leading solar brands like SunPower and Tesla. Its equipment spans a range of residential needs, including the following:

• Solar panels — EmPower solar systems typically cover 600–800 square feet and weigh as little as a layer of shingles. All systems include additional products like inverters, racking and a monitoring system.
• Solar battery backup — EmPower offers the Tesla Powerwall, which stores the electricity generated by your solar panel for the times you really need it. The cost of one Tesla Powerwall is approximately $17,600 before incentives.
• In-home electric car charging stations — EmPower offers AC Level 1, 2 and 3 chargers, plus V3 superchargers. The cost of an electric car charging station starts at approximately $499, with installation costs typically ranging from $300–$1,000.
• Whole-home solar equipment — If you need a complete solar system (solar panels, solar battery, and EV charging station), EmPower offers what it calls “Total Home Electrification,” which covers every facet of residential solar energy. The EmPower team designs a custom solution, determining the size and shape of your solar system and upgrading your heat pumps and electric appliances as needed.

EmPower Solar Payment Options

An EmPower solar system installation will cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000. Your final cost will be dependent on the scale and specifications of your installation. Because going solar can be a large investment, EmPower offers three of the following payment options to solar customers:

• Purchase — An outright purchase allows you to own your solar system and appreciate significant lifetime savings with a return on your investment between 4 to 7 years.
• Finance — EmPower has multiple financing providers to choose from that offer low-interest loans for $0 down. Typically, loan terms range from 5 to 25 years.
• Lease — A budget-friendly option in which the solar panel manufacturer will own the system with no option for you to buy. You can get a lease for $0 down and will have a payment term of 25 years.

If you’re interested in EmPower Solar and are unsure about which of the three payment options is best, you can reach out to an EmPower service representative to receive a complimentary solar assessment and consultation.

Comprehensive EmPower Solar Installation Process

Installing a solar solution isn’t an easy task. EmPower’s can handle all aspects of installation, including the following:

1. Electricity usage review — Submit a photo of your most recent electricity bill so solar experts can review factors like usage and needs.
2. Home assessment — EmPower’s in-house technicians conduct an in-person assessment of your property, either by drone or foot. This assessment takes accurate measurements, evaluates roof structure and plans installation locations.
3. Permit acquisition — EmPower’s dedicated permitting department works directly with local building departments to obtain, complete and submit the necessary construction permits for the project.
4. Scheduling your project — Once permits are approved, a dedicated project management team schedules installation.
5. Equipment installation — Each project has a dedicated site foreman who leads the team of solar installers during the installation:
   • Installing a racking system to the roof or ground
   • Connecting solar panels to an external meter
   • Connecting solar panels to interior electrical panel
   • Mounting any backup batteries and electric vehicle chargers
   • Giving homeowners a formal introduction to the new system
6. Inspection — After installation, EmPower schedules the required final inspections with local jurisdictions and utility providers.
7. Mobile app download — Once the system is up and running, a tech makes sure you’re connected to the mobile app for monitoring.

Squirrel/Animal Solar System Guard

To protect your solar system from potential damage caused by critters, EmPower offers squirrel/animal guard installations at an extra cost. It is important to note that squirrel/animal guards aren’t included in EmPower’s workmanship warranty.

Solar Energy Storage Options

EmPower Solar provides customers with the option to add a backup battery to their solar panel system. The company has partnered with both Tesla Energy to provide customers with backup energy solutions in the event of a power outage — EmPower is currently offering the new Tesla Powerwall 3, which offers whole home backup with a single battery unit (for most homes) and enhanced energy technology. The company will work directly with customers to determine what their backup battery needs may entail; whether they simply need enough power for a few essential appliances, or whether entire areas of the home need backup power.

Solar EV Charging Stations

If you have an electric vehicle or are planning to purchase an electric vehicle, you can pair an EV charging station with your EmPower solar system installation. EmPower offers four charger types that vary in charging time and distance added per hour. The following charger types are available:

• Level 1 — 8–16 hours to full charge; 4 miles added per hour
• Level 2 — 6–8 hours to full charge; 20–30 miles added per hour
• Level 3 — 20–45 minutes to full charge; 40–50 miles added per hour
• V3 (Tesla Supercharger) — 20 minutes to full charge; 1,000 miles added per hour

The Level 2 charger is the most common home-charging option. It is important to note that the V3 Tesla Supercharger is only available for Tesla vehicles.

• No PPA Financing Option
• Limited Service Area

No PPA Financing Option

While EmPower Solar offers a number of payment options, the company does not give customers the option to finance their system through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The PPA is ideal for customers who simply want to pay less for electricity without owning the system.

Buying or financing a system allows for tax credit benefits and is an investment for your property so those routes are arguably better. Still, PPAs work well for some homeowners so we like to see that as an option.

Limited Service Area

EmPower only services the following seven localities within the state of New York:

• Nassau
• Suffolk
• Queens
• Brooklyn
• Westchester
• Bronx
• Staten Island

While it isn’t uncommon for solar companies to have small service areas, often serving one or a few states, it’s important to know whether or not a company’s services are available in your area or residence. Unfortunately, if you don’t reside in any of the New York communities listed above, EmPower’s solar services will not be available to you.