Electric cars use electricity stored in a battery pack to power the electric motor. Since battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are run entirely on electricity, they are also called all-electric vehicles. While electric vehicles don’t produce tailpipe pollution, the electricity they use could be produced from a coal- or gas-powered power plant. UCSUSA research shows that battery electric cars that charge off the gas-dominated grid still produce less pollution than their gas-powered counterparts, while BEVs powered by renewable energy sources are virtually emission free.

An electric car charging station starts around $499, with installation costs between $300-$1,000 depending on the charger and electrical upgrades required. ClipperCreek, Leviton, Bosch, ChargePoint, eMotoWerks, Delta, and Siemens offer home charging stations. NYS and PSEGLI have incentives for charging stations. The current PSEGLI rebate is $500- about half the cost of an installed charger.

Electricity costs 21 cents/kWh at your home if you live on Long Island or New York City. With solar panels you could pay as low as 8 cents/kWh, taking into account the levelized cost of energy. Charging at a public station could cost up to twice as much as home with all-in rates of up to 50 cents/kWh or more due to hourly rates/charge fees.

There is a federal tax credit for $2,500-$7,500 per new EV purchase, lowering the upfront cost of buying the vehicle. New York’s Charge NY initiative offers a Drive Clean Rebate of up to $2,000 for new car purchases or leases. E-ZPass offers a special 10% discount to Hybrid vehicles getting at least 45 to the gallon and meeting super ultra-low emissions vehicle (SULEV) standards. Visit e-zpassny.com for a list of eligible EVs.

Workplace charging provides a reliable opportunity for commuters to own and drive EVs without worrying about the hassle of finding public charging stations.

The federal government, NYS, and NYC all have unique incentives available to go solar. For most solar customers, these incentives can cover up to 50% or more of the total system cost. When it comes to paying for your system, you can lease, finance, or purchase it with cash.

A solar system will pay for itself in just 4-7 years if the homeowner purchases them with cash. A homeowner who finances or leases their system can expect immediate savings and upwards of $100,000 over the life of their system.

When purchasing solar panels, whether with cash or through a loan, you will own your system. When leasing solar panels, the solar installation company will own your system. While both purchasing methods have their own advantages, it’s important to know that if you lease your solar panels you are not eligible for any solar incentives and are often locked into a long-term lease.

Solar technology converts sunlight into energy through photovoltaic panels. This energy can be used to generate electricity used to power your home.

In New York, the cost of solar projects is typically between $10,000 and $25,000 depending on preference and energy needs. Cost varies based on regional incentives, system size, aesthetic preferences, energy needs, and local codes, among other factors.