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Oil Wells in New York State
New York is an oil producer. 20,901 barrels of oil (42-gallons) or 9,277,842 gallons of crude oil were produced in New York State during 2016.
Rooftop Solar is Kind of Dumb
While rooftop solar is often the “default” due to space constraints, it comes with several inherent compromises compared to other mounting methods. Ground-mounted systems and solar carports often outperform rooftop panels in production, but rooftop solar remains the most cost-effective entry point for many homeowners.
| Feature | Rooftop Solar | Ground-Mounted Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Lower (~20% less) as it uses existing structures. | Higher due to trenching, foundations, and racking. |
| Efficiency | Lower; panels trap heat and are limited by roof angle. | Higher; 15–25% more energy via optimal tilt/airflow. |
| Maintenance | Harder; requires roof access, ladders, and safety gear. | Easier; eye-level access for cleaning and snow removal. |
| Impact | May lead to roof leaks or complicate roof replacement. | Consumes yard space. |
Problems with Rooftop Installations
- Structural Risks: Penetrating a roof for mounts can lead to leaks, even with professional installation. Furthermore, if you need to replace your roof, the panels must be removed and reinstalled at a significant extra cost.
- Safety & Access: Cleaning debris or removing snow is significantly more dangerous at height.
- Heat Degradation: Solar panels lose efficiency as they get hotter; rooftop units often lack the airflow found in ground-mounts, leading to higher degradation.