Eliminate NYC Local Law 97 Fines with Pfister Energy
At Pfister Energy, we recognize the financial strain Local Law 97 fines place on businesses. Our tailored solar solutions may not only eliminate these fines but also unlock new revenue opportunities.
NY LOCAL LAW 97
understanding local law 97
Local Law 97 is a NYC regulation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from large buildings. Buildings over 25,000 sq. ft. must meet strict carbon limits or face heavy fines. The goal is a 40% emissions reduction by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Compliance can involve energy efficiency upgrades, solar installations, and other green solutions.
Non-compliance results in substantial annual fines, calculated based on the excess emissions. Estimates suggest that over 3,000 buildings could collectively face more than $200 million in fines annually beginning in 2025. Individual buildings may incur fines ranging from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.
TRUSTED RENEWABLE ENERGY EXPERTS
Why Choose Solar with Pfister Energy?
With over 20 years of experience, Pfister Energy has been a leader in renewable energy, providing seamless solar solutions that maximize financial benefits for businesses.
Eliminate or reduce Local Law 97 fines: Installing a solar array can help reduce or eliminate fines of up to $145,000 per year, saving $725,000 over 5 years and $1.818 million over 25 years.
Generate additional revenue through VDER: Earn up to $400,000 or more annually through Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) revenue.
Strong return on investment: 65% to 70% of your investment is returned in the first year alone.
No upfront capital investment required: Third-party ownership options are available, allowing you to lease your roof while eliminating Local Law 97 fines and earning an average of $75,000 per year for 25 years.
FAQs About NYC Local Law 97
NYC Local Law 97 (LL97) is part of the Climate Mobilization Act and requires most buildings over 25,000 square feet to meet strict carbon emissions limits, starting in 2024. Non-compliant buildings will face significant financial penalties.
The law applies to:
- Buildings larger than 25,000 square feet
- Two or more buildings on the same tax lot totaling 50,000+ square feet
- Condo and co-op buildings meeting the above criteria
Some affordable housing and certain other properties may qualify for exemptions or alternate compliance pathways.
Buildings that exceed their emissions limit will be fined $268 per ton of CO₂ over the cap, per year. For many buildings, this could mean fines of hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually.
Solar energy helps reduce your building's reliance on carbon-heavy grid electricity, directly lowering emissions and avoiding fines. Additional financial benefits include:
- Eliminating or reducing LL97 fines
- Earning revenue through VDER (Value of Distributed Energy Resources)
- Potential roof lease payments with third-party solar ownership
VDER is a program that compensates property owners for solar energy production based on grid value. NYC buildings can earn up to $400,000 per year in revenue by participating in VDER.
Pfister Energy can help arrange a third-party ownership model, allowing you to:
- Install solar at zero upfront cost
- Lease your roof to a solar provider and earn passive income (typically around $75,000 per year for 25 years)
- Still eliminate LL97 fines without an initial investment
With tax incentives, energy savings, and VDER revenue, most businesses see a 65-70% return on investment in the first year alone.
Yes! NYC buildings may qualify for:
- Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) – Up to 30% off installation costs
- NY-Sun incentives – State funding for solar projects
- Property tax abatements – Further reducing costs
