BEST ANSWER
LIPA are giving up to 50% rebates on solar installation, and are regarded as personal possessions that you can take with you to the next house should you wish to do so. If you are in a wooded area, it may not supply enough. Also look at Geothermal, an open system, not closed. They work really well on LI. Retrofitting renewable energy systems of any kind into any house (as opposed to custom new build) is never going to be ideal, but it will get you most of the way, with your current system as a backup. I would have a good look at all alternatives at this point considering the oil situation, but the main issue with all of them is the cost of installation costs, and you have to be willing and capable of taking a long term view with the pain of paying for it upfront. Otherwise look for companies that pay for solar installation and charge you a metered rate which is still less than you would normally pay LIPA for your electric.
Tue Jul 22 2008, 08:58