The 3 Best Solar Companies in New York (2024 Guide)
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Whether you’re remodeling a home near Buffalo or creating an off-grid cabin near Syracuse, New York State offers plenty of sunshine and incentives for transitioning to solar power. Selecting a provider can be more daunting; according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), there are more than 600 solar companies in the Empire State.
The This Old House Home Reviews Team has rigorously researched the top professional solar companies in New York to help you decide. This guide covers the top six providers’ warranties, costs, and solar panel offerings.
Compare Solar Companies Across New York
New York’s Top Solar Energy Companies:
- Most Experienced Regional Installer: Freedom Solar Power
- Best Solar Panel Installation: Momentum Solar
- Best Energy-Efficient Upgrades: Elevation
- Best Northeast Regional Installer: Venture Solar
Our Top Solar Company Picks for New York
Freedom Solar Power
Learn more: Momentum Solar review
Elevation
Best Energy-Efficient Upgrades
Learn More: Palmetto Solar Review
Learn more: Venture Solar review
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.
Solar Incentives in New York
New York offers plenty of solar incentives for homeowners transitioning to clean energy. We’ve listed some of the most popular New York solar incentives below.
- The NY-Sun Initiative: The NY-Sun Initiative offers increased rebates for households earning less than 80% of the median income in their area. The program requires minor, low-cost energy efficiency upgrades to your home.
- The Megawatt Block Incentive Structure: This incentive provides up to $1,000 for every kilowatt (kW) of solar power installed.
- New York State Solar Equipment Tax Credit: This is a 25% state tax credit for home solar systems purchased in New York. The credit maxes out at a $5,000 reduction on state taxes.
- Solar Electric Generating System Tax Abatement (SEGS): SEGS offers a property tax exemption on the added home value from solar panels and solar storage systems. This is a four-year tax reduction of 5% of eligible expenditures. The maximum reduction is $62,500 per year for four years or the building’s annual tax liability, whichever is less.
New York homeowners can also take advantage of the federal solar tax credit. This federal tax credit equals 30% of your solar installation costs. You must install your solar system between 2022 and 2032 to qualify. The rate will decrease to 26% in 2033. If you owe less taxes than the credit, the unused credit will roll over to the next year.
Our Conclusion
Palmetto is the best solar company for New York homeowners. The company offers an expansive customer support team and highly efficient solar panels.
Get quotes from at least three providers to accurately compare solar panel costs and offerings. Use our tool below to get matched to top solar providers in New York.
Other New York Home Service Resources
FAQ About Solar Companies in New York
Are solar panels worth it in upstate NY?
Yes, solar panels are worth it in upstate New York. The New York countryside receives more than 2,500 hours of sunlight annually, and the state has plenty of tax incentives.
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels last approximately 25–30 years, depending on how well you maintain your system.
What is the best way to pay for solar panels?
The best way to pay for solar panels is through an up-front, lump-sum payment. This allows you to avoid paying interest rates and take advantage of cost-saving solar incentives.
The next best option is a solar loan. This grants you ownership of the system through monthly payments and qualifies you for tax incentives.
The other financing options are a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). With a lease, you pay a fixed monthly rate to use a solar panel system without committing to owning it. With a PPA, you pay only for the electricity your solar panel system generates, similar to an electricity bill. Both of these options disqualify you from tax incentives, so while they minimize up-front costs, they ultimately don’t save you money.
Does NY have net metering?
Yes, New York has net-metering programs. Grid-connected renewable energy systems are eligible for additional incentives through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), such as a 25% state solar tax credit that maxes out at $5,000.
How many solar panels do I need?
How many solar panels you need depends on how much energy you consume monthly. Most homeowners purchase around 20 solar panels. Look at your total energy consumption on your utility bills from the last 12 months to get a rough idea of how much power you’ll need your solar panels to generate. This will help you determine how many panels your home requires.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected].
