Here is a 2500+ word blog post on the best solar companies in New York:
Why Go Solar in New York?
New Yorkers face some of the highest electricity rates in the country, with average residential rates of $0.21 per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. For comparison, the national average is $0.14 per kWh.
With high energy bills eating into budgets each month, installing solar panels is an attractive option for many New York residents. Solar energy systems generate clean power from the sun, reducing or even eliminating monthly electric bills.
And thanks to New York state incentives and federal tax credits, going solar is more affordable than ever. By installing a solar energy system, New Yorkers can realize significant long-term savings while also reducing their carbon footprint.
How We Chose the Best Solar Companies
When compiling this list of the top solar energy companies in New York, we evaluated each on the following criteria:
- Experience and reputation
- Quality of solar panels and equipment
- Warranties and guarantees
- Range of services offered
- Financing options and affordability
- Customer reviews and satisfaction
The solar companies featured below have strong reputations for providing high-quality equipment, strong warranties, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing. They have many years of experience navigating incentives in New York and tailoring solar systems to each customer‘s unique needs.
Keep reading to learn why we chose these seven solar companies as the best for New York homeowners.
1. SunPower
Founded in 1985, SunPower is one of the most established solar panel manufacturers in the industry. The company produces high-efficiency solar panels and develops complete custom solar solutions for residential and commercial customers.
Services: SunPower handles the entire solar process from consultation and design to permitting and installation. The company offers monitoring software to track system performance and also provides financing options like solar loans and leases.
Equipment: SunPower manufactures its own line of high-performance, high-efficiency solar panels. For residential systems, the company most commonly installs its SunPower Equinox home solar solution featuring SunPower Maxeon panels with 25% efficiency ratings.
Pricing: SunPower solar panel pricing averages around $2.70 per watt in New York. For an average-sized 6 kW system, expect to pay around $16,200 before the federal tax credit and state incentives.
Warranty: SunPower offers an industry-leading 25-year warranty on both solar panels and labor. This protects against defects and ensures power output.
Why We Chose SunPower: With premium solar panels and extremely comprehensive coverage, SunPower provides great value for the price. Stellar warranties back up the company‘s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
2. Tesla
As a leader in next-generation technology, Tesla has helped catalyze rapid solar innovation. The company produces sleek, high-efficiency solar panels along with integrated battery storage solutions.
Services: In addition to top-tier solar equipment, Tesla handles system design, permitting, installation, and monitoring through its mobile app. Financing options are also available.
Equipment: The Tesla Solar Roof and Tesla Solar Panels showcase the company‘s aesthetic sensibilities and technological capabilities. Systems leverage high-powered Tesla solar inverters and Powerwall home batteries for energy storage.
Pricing: Tesla solar panels cost an average of $2.30 per watt in New York. For a 6 kW system, that equates to around $13,800 before incentives. Their premium Solar Roof tiles start at around $21,500 for an average-sized home.
Warranty: Tesla offers a 25-year warranty for solar panels and Solar Roof tiles to protect against defects and early degradation. Workmanship is covered for 10-20 years depending on system components.
Why We Chose Tesla: Tesla produces high-efficiency solar products with integrated batteries alongside industry-leading electric vehicles. With robust warranties and advanced monitoring, Tesla leverages technology to provide a streamlined solar experience.
3. Trinity
Founded in 1994 and based in New Jersey, Trinity Solar serves residential customers across 8 east coast states. The company prides itself on transparent pricing, thorough assessments, customized designs, and superior installations.
Services: In addition to premium solar panels and equipment, Trinity handles assessments, engineering & design work, permitting, installation, monitoring setup, and maintenance.
Equipment: Trinity installs high-quality solar modules, inverters, racking systems and other components from leading brands like Q Cells, Enphase and IronRidge. Equipment choices vary based on site conditions and project requirements.
Pricing: Trinity solar panels cost around $2.73 per watt in New York. For a 6 kW system, expect to pay around $16,380 before incentives. Leases, loans, and PPA financing options are available.
Warranty: Trinity offers 25-year warranties to cover solar panel operation, efficiency and labor workmanship. 10-year coverage is included for system components like inverters and racking.
Why We Chose Trinity: As one of the most reputable installers on the East Coast, Trinity holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau along with glowing customer reviews. The company‘s expertise designing systems for harsh weather earns them extra credibility.
4. Sunrun
As the largest dedicated residential solar installer in the U.S., Sunrun brings sizeable resources and experience to the table. The company operates in over 20 states and has 300,000 customers across the country.
Services: Sunrun handles all aspects of going solar, including consultations, site evaluations, system design, permitting, installation and monitoring setup.
Equipment: Sunrun installs solar panels and hardware from reputable equipment makers like Aptos Solar Technology, Enphase Energy and SolarEdge Technologies. Specific components depend on project requirements.
Pricing: In New York, Sunrun solar panels range from $2.77 to $3.16 per watt depending on system size. For an average 6 kW installation, expect to pay $16,620 to $18,960 before incentives.
Warranty: Equipment warranties span 10-25 years based on manufacturer, validating solar panel lifespan and optimal performance over decades. Separate workmanship warranties cover labor.
Why We Chose Sunrun: With vast industry experience and buying power, Sunrun leverages economies of scale to deliver affordable pricing to homeowners. Their solar expertise tailoring systems for local requirements makes installations smooth and reliable.
5. Momentum Solar
Momentum Solar brings a personalized approach, premium equipment and custom design capabilities honed since launching in 2009. The company focuses specifically on solar installations in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Services: In addition to complete solar system implementation, Momentum handles all financing details, electrical work, roof modifications, monitoring setup and more.
Equipment: Momentum installs high-efficiency solar modules and equipment from trusted brands like REC, Enphase Energy and SolarEdge. Specific components are selected based on project requirements.
Pricing: As a premium provider using top-tier equipment, Momentum Solar panels range from $3.00 to $3.50 per watt in New York. For a 6 kW system expect to pay $18,000-$21,000 before incentives.
Warranty: Comprehensive 25-year warranties back Momentum‘s workmanship, solar panels and system components. Added coverage protects against early failure, installation defects and premature drops in output.
Why We Chose Momentum: Momentum shines when it comes to tailored design leveraging site specifics, attention to detail, flawless installs and engaged customer service through every phase. Their outstanding solar expertise and experience are reflected in rave customer reviews.
6. ADT Solar
ADT Solar combines solar panel implementation strengths from security systems giant ADT with alternative energy innovator Sunpro Solar‘s installment expertise across 22 states.
Services: In addition to complete solar system installations, ADT Solar also handles batteries, electrical work, roofing modifications, permitting, monitoring setup and integrations.
Equipment: ADT Solar leverages partnerships with top solar equipment producers to customize options based on project requirements. Panels and hardware come from leading brands like REC, Enphase Energy and SolarEdge Technologies.
Pricing: Average ADT Solar pricing runs from around $2.85 to $3.25 per watt in New York. For a 6 kW installation, that translates to $17,100-$19,500 before accounting for incentives.
Warranty: ADT Solar provides 25-year equipment and workmanship warranties giving customers peace of mind with significant long-term coverage across all system components.
Why We Chose ADT: ADT Solar combines outstanding ADT security and monitoring strengths with Sunpro‘s solar expertise and 22-state equipment network. Custom options paired with strong warranties deliver value.
7. Palmetto Solar
Launched in 2014, Palmetto operates in over 20 states providing complete clean energy packages including solar panel systems, batteries, EV chargers, smart home devices, water filtration and security.
Services: Palmetto oversees every project stage from initial consultation to final inspection, in addition to handling all financing, permits, electrical work and monitoring setup.
Equipment: Palmetto leverages partnerships with top solar equipment makers to incorporate high-efficiency solar panels and hardware that best fit site specifics and operational goals.
Pricing: On average, Palmetto solar panels range from $2.85 to $3.00 per watt in New York. For a 6 kW system, that equates to $17,100-$18,000 before incentives kick in.
Warranty: Comprehensive 25-year warranties from Palmetto instill confidence, covering solar panels, power production levels, monitoring hardware, roof attachments and all system components.
Why We Chose Palmetto: This fast-growing company focuses holistically on home energy improvements beyond just solar panel systems. Paired with robust warranties and transparent pricing, Palmetto simplifies energy independence.
Federal and State Incentives For NY Solar
On top of the long-term utility savings solar delivers, taking advantage of tax credits, rebates, and incentive programs makes going solar even more affordable.
The 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit deducts 26% of your solar project costs from your federal tax bill. For a $20,000 installation, which is an average NY system size before incentives, the credit works out to $5,200 in savings.
NY State also offers $1,500 back per kW installed up to $5,000 via the NY-Sun Megawatt Block Incentive. So on a standard 6 kW system, you would receive a $6,000 state incentive. Add in the 30% Federal Solar Credit, and you are looking at nearly $12,000 off a $20,000 solar project cost.
On top of that, utilities like Con Edison and PSEG Long Island offer additional solar incentives that can shave thousands more off your implementation expenses.
When factoring in all the available credits, rebates, and incentives, most New York homeowners invest $8,000 to $12,000 for their complete solar system implementation and own their panels outright after year one. Then the free solar energy kicks in lowering electric bills by 50% or more for decades.
What To Look For In A NY Solar Company
With the right solar partner, the transition to home solar energy is a smooth process that pays dividends for decades. Keep the following criteria in mind when selecting a solar company in New York:
Experience and Track Record: Choose an established company with years of proven experience successfully installing solar in New York. They should thoroughly understand state incentives and utility requirements.
Quality Equipment: Opt for Tier 1 solar panels and hardware with warranties covering at least 25 years from leading brands like REC, SolarEdge Technologies and Enphase Energy.
Full Scope of Services: Look for a provider handling assessments, site work, custom designs, permitting, component sourcing, installations and monitoring setup.
Warranties Protecting Workmanship: Robust 25-year labor/workmanship warranties ensure coverage for any defects or issues stemming from the solar company’s craftsmanship.
High Customer Satisfaction: Check online reviews and testimonials to confirm strong attention to detail and service throughout previous installations. High customer satisfaction scores indicate solar success.
Going Solar in New York – Pros vs Cons
Deciding whether home solar energy makes sense involves weighing several key pros and cons:
Pros
- Lower electric bills saving $1,000s over system lifespan
- Increase home resale value by 3-4% with solar panels
- Lock in fixed energy rates unaffected by utility price hikes
- Reduce carbon footprint supporting cleaner energy
- Back up critical loads during grid outages with paired batteries
- Earn income selling excess power back to the grid
- Leverage 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit plus other incentives
Cons
- High upfront investment of $15,000-$25,000 for install
- 10-25+ year investment horizon to realize full cost recovery
- Upkeep requires minor system maintenance
- Small risk of storm damage if panels aren‘t sufficiently ruggedized
- Electric bill savings dependent on system size and sun exposure
For most New Yorkers, the long-term upside of lower bills, energy independence, smaller carbon footprint and resilience against blackouts outweighs the cons. Paired with batteries, home solar energy empowers households to take control of energy expenses for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do solar panels last in New York?
High-quality solar panels and equipment hold up extremely well over decades in New York weather. Investing in robust, ruggedized solar components with 25-year warranties ensures your system will operate smoothly for 25-30+ years.
Are batteries worth it with solar in New York?
Yes, adding solar batteries provides outage protection and maximizes solar savings by storing excess daytime solar power for use at night. With widespread grid reliability issues, our experts strongly recommend incorporating batteries.
How long is the payback period for solar panels in NY?
Factoring in electricity bill savings and all incentives, most New Yorkers break even on their solar panel investment in just 4-7 years. And given system lifespans surpassing 25 years, that leaves many years of nearly free solar power.
Should I repair or replace my roof before installing solar?
If your existing roof has more than 8-10 years of useful life left, solar can install safely on top. If your roof is aging, needs repairs, or has less than 5 years left, our experts advise replacing it beforehand.
In closing, solar energy allows New York residents to take control over electricity expenses while supporting green energy. By selecting one of the top-rated solar companies profiled above, you can rest assured you‘ll receive exceptional service maximizing savings for decades to come. Reach out for quotes and advice customizing the ideal solar system for your home.
