Solar
Bundling solar with pre-solar energy efficiency upgrades can make your solar power generation system more affordable, and help you begin generating savings from day one.
% interest for 12 months financing available
Make the energy-saving home improvements you need now without paying any interest.
To learn more about our limited time 0% financing offer, please call 800-279-SIEA (7432) or click the button below and we will reach out to you. San Isabel Electric must be your electric utility.
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Empower makes solar more affordable
Reducing your electric consumption by making energy-saving improvements before going solar results in a smaller-sized system saving you thousands in upfront costs and interest. Bundling solar with pre-solar energy efficiency upgrades can make your solar power generation system more affordable, and help you begin generating savings from day one.
San Isabel Electric’s Empower program can help almost anyone make power more affordable with energy efficiency and energy conservation upgrade projects such as:
- Whole house HVLS fans
- Electric thermal storage heating
- Water heaters
- Heat pumps
- Insulation air sealing
- Generators generator plugs
- Electric vehicle charging
Empower’s streamlined approach will manage all facets of the project. We use your prior energy usage data and a home energy assessment to identify energy efficiency or conservation projects that suit your lifestyle and budget. We can also help oversee product selection, contractor selection, financing, permitting, installation, inspection, even maintenance if needed years down the road. On-bill financing is also available. Empower offers low interest, long- and short-term financing options for your energy efficiency projects.
There is no extra cost to utilize the Empower program to oversee your energy efficiency or conservation improvements, even if you don’t buy electricity from San Isabel Electric. San Isabel Electric’s board members feel everyone should have an opportunity to be more energy efficient and save money.
Learn how energy-saving products and services can lower your electric bill. Apply for 0% interest financing today.
San Isabel Electric must be your electric utility to qualify.
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Tying Solar into the Electric Grid
Most solar systems are connected to the electric grid. These systems are called “grid-tied”, meaning that electricity can flow to and from the grid.
When your solar array generates more power than your home needs, the excess is sent out onto the electric grid, where it is used nearby. Likewise, when your solar array isn’t producing enough electricity to meet your needs, you’re able to consume electricity from the electric grid. This is called net metering.
Net metering policies make compensation for your solar electricity production possible, allowing you to offset all or part of your electric consumption with that production. In Colorado, net metering allows for a one-to-one credit of your solar electric production against your energy consumption from the electric grid.
Your bill and Net Metering
Your bill will still come to you on a monthly basis and can be paid by all the standard means. Your new bill will reflect several key things:
Generation – How much your solar system put back on to the SIEA grid above what your residence has consumed. This will not reflect the same generation on your solar monitoring system provided by your solar company. 2. Consumption – How many kWh your residence used from SIEA grid. 3. Bank – This is like your energy savings account. Your monthly invoice will show how much energy you have generated in excess of how much you have consumed, referred to as the “Net”. Your invoice shows your bank balance at the beginning of the month and the end of the month. Banked energy is used before any consumption is added to your bill. If consumption is higher than generation, you are charged for any energy that you used but did not generate. If generation is higher than consumption, your bank balance will grow. Your bank rolls over month-to-month, until May. If you have more than 25 worth of energy in your bank at the end of the April billing period, we’ll send you a check in May. If you have less than 25 in your bank, you will receive a credit on your bill. 4. Access Charge – Part of being tied into the electric grid means you’ll still have access to electricity even when the sun isn’t shining. If there is a power outage, a crew will be dispatched to fix the problem with no additional charges to you. The access charge covers your access to the grid and our costs to operate and maintain the system. The access charge is unavoidable by any excess generation.
For Members
SIEA has a full Net Metering program available to its membership and highly encourages its members to call SIEA first to make sure they are getting the facts about renewables before installation.
ONE-TO-ONE CREDIT
The electricity you produce is equal in value to the electricity you receive from SIEA. If your solar array produces one kWh of electricity, you can directly reduce your electric bill by one kWh. If that kWh of solar electricity is generated when you don’t need it, it will be stored in your SIEA kWh bank and rolled over month to month. Your consumption will always be used out of your kWh bank first and is cashed out yearly in May at current SIEA avoided costs. If you have any questions, please email empower@siea.com or call 800-279-SIEA (7432).
THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Renewables like solar have to be considered a long-term investment because it is a costly investment that has a usual 10–15-year R.O.I. (Return On Investment).
- What your system produces will always be consumed by your house first and only excess generation will go back onto the SIEA grid and credited in your kWh bank.
- Renewable energy is a rapidly evolving industry. As technology advances so will SIEA—always be prepared and stay in touch with SIEA.
NET METERING PROCESS
- Your installer will submit the preliminary interconnection paperwork via the online net metering application on your behalf and SIEA will make sure the size and location of the solar array is appropriate based on the last 12-months of usage at your location.
- Once the net metering application has been submitted, SIEA will email the Net Metering Disclosure to the member. This must be signed before approval of the solar array can be approved.
- SIEA will reach out to you to discuss the Net Metering Agreement, which must be signed prior to a meter exchange once the final inspection notice is received.
- Once the solar array is installed, an inspection will take place by the appropriate government entity, either local or state, and SIEA will be notified.
- Interconnection will take place after all appropriate paperwork has been signed and submitted to SIEA. This is in the form of a meter exchange to install a two-way meter (net meter), which allows for a more accurate reading and reporting of your solar electricity production.
- Once the net meter is installed, your installer will be contacted by SIEA to give “formal permission to operate” and your solar array can be turned on.
For Contractors
- Residential system capacity is limited to 120% of annual usage, not to exceed 10kw AC.
- Commercial system capacity is limited to 120% of annual usage, not to exceed 25kw AC.
- SIEA does not require a REC meter.
- SIEA currently offers no rebates or financial incentives for renewables.
- SIEA follows current electric code for safety standards and installation.
- SIEA’s yearly “true-up” for excess generation is done in May and is at current avoided costs (can range from year to year) 2019 was @7.68 cents.
- SIEA requires a Net Metering Application before any work is done. There is a 320 interconnection fee required to be paid before the application will be processed. SIEA will likely follow up with the contractor and/or member if system appears to be sized improperly or with any other concerns.
- Starting July 1, 2022, members are required to sign the Net Metering Disclosure. This will be emailed to the member once the Net Metering Application has been received.
- Once the interconnection fee has been paid, SIEA will reach out to the contractor to let them know the application has been processed.
- A routing sheet is required to be signed by SIEA for any project in Pueblo County. A meter will not be installed if this step has been skipped by the contractor.
- Routing sheets are not required at this time for locations outside of Pueblo County.
- Bodily Injury @ 300,000
- Property Damage @ 300,000
If you have any questions, please email empower@siea.com or call 800-279-SIEA (7432).
Installing Solar Panels on Long Island: A Case Study
Dan Simms is a sustainability writer with a FOCUS on clean technology, electric vehicles, and residential solar. Dan has been published in several notable climate-focused websites, including EcoWatch. He installed solar panels at his home in NY state.
I installed solar panels at my home in Long Island, NY. Here is much my installation cost, plus what I learned in the process.
Reading through solar panel reviews, battery specifications, and solar company reviews can be helpful. However, most people want real-life examples of how a solar company operates and an explanation of how panels perform in real-world settings.
Below, I’ll be serving as a solar case study done in Long Island, New York, where I had solar panels installed at my home. I’ll explain which company I chose, why I chose them, my experience throughout the entire process, and my real-life energy savings following the installation of the system.
Company Selection and Sales Process
I worked for several years with a gentleman who had previously been employed by Empower Solar, a local company that completes installations in Nassau County and Suffolk County. After hearing him sing their praises, my wife and I decided not to interview other companies or get additional quotes. From what we were told, the outstanding service we’d get from Empower was worth the admittedly high cost of choosing them.
The sales process was low-pressure and informative. Our sales rep, Eric, went over our energy bills and satellite images of our property with us. He also discussed the amount and intensity of sunlight our roof received and how that would translate over to power production and energy savings.
We never felt pressured, and we thought that Eric was honest and open about how tax breaks worked — something I’ve heard several neighbors complain about with other companies — and what we could expect to save in the future.
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Equipment Options and Price of the System
Empower only installs SunPower panels — which have outstanding efficiency ratings and some of the best warranty coverage in the industry — and Tesla Powerwalls. Our original quote was for a 9.2-kW system, which was later bumped down to an 8.8-kW system when the rep that measured our roof determined that one of the panels wouldn’t fit. We ended up with 22 panels at 400W each for a total of 8,800 watts. The panels are super sleek and all black.
We also wanted to install Tesla Powerwalls, which the rep explained may not be necessary for saving money since NY has a good net metering program. We decided to install them anyway, as we wanted backup power and storage capacity in case the net metering program gets discontinued in the future.
Cost of solar panels in Long Island with a Tesla Powerwall
In total, the cost of the system came out to just over 45,000, which included 22 panels (25,000) and two Powerwalls (10,000 each for the PowerWall 2 models). At the time we signed contracts early in 2022, the federal solar credit was 26% or 11,700 in our case. That was bumped up to 30% — or 13,500 — in August, 2023.
Site Preparation, Installation, and Inspections
Empower was communicative throughout the entire process as they pulled permits and ordered our equipment. They kept us updated every step of the way, and although we didn’t have a primary point of contact, we always felt like the rep at any given moment knew our situation and had an understanding of our file.
The permits and upfront preparation took about three months, and our system was installed in April of 2022. The installers that came to do the work were professional, respectful of the garden beds outside our home, and got the work done in about six hours in one day. That was for the panels only, as the Powerwalls were back ordered — the delay was on the manufacturing side and not the installer side.
The panels were inspected by the building department after Empower coordinated an inspection date for us. About six months after our contracts were first signed, the Powerwalls were delivered and installed in a few hours. Another inspection was completed by the building department for the batteries, this time just a few days after the installation was completed.
System Performance and Overall Satisfaction
We closely monitored our production and usage every day for several weeks after the installation. Below is a table showing the monthly production and our energy consumption over the first six full months of performance.
| Month (in 2022) | Solar Production | Energy Consumption (rounded) | Net Usage |
| May | 1,347.1 kWh | 369 kWh | -978 kWh |
| June | 1,425.2 kWh | 320 kWh | -1,105 kWh |
| July | 1,480.4 kWh | 441 kWh | -1,039 kWh |
| August | 1,448.8 kWh | 677 kWh | -771 kWh |
| September | 1,234.0 kWh | 235 kWh | -999 kWh |
| October | 951.7 kWh | 237 kWh | -715 kWh |
| November | 851.4 kWh | 420 kWh | -431 kWh |
| December | 677.5 kWh | 566 kWh | -112 kWh |
To date, we’re pleased to report that our energy bills — previously an average of around 160 per month — have been between 14 and 18 per month. They would be 0, but PSEG has an unavoidable charge just to be connected to the grid.
Some Things to Keep In Mind
There are a few things to consider about our installation that can lead to different results for your system:
- We have a south-facing roof with no tree coverage, which is optimal for solar panel performance.
- Our energy consumption includes electric heating and cooling via a ductless system on our first floor. Heating for our basement is done via an oil boiler.
- Our home is 980 square feet, excluding the basement. It’s a 1-story, Ranch-style home.
- We asked Empower to oversize our system, as we plan on adding more ductless units and purchasing electric vehicles in the future. We wanted additional power production to cover EV charging and could have gotten away with a smaller system if we didn’t plan on higher consumption in the future.
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Dan Simms
Dan Simms is a sustainability writer with a FOCUS on clean technology, electric vehicles, and residential solar. Dan has been published in several notable climate-focused websites, including EcoWatch. He installed solar panels at his home in NY state.
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Solar Power Is Renewable Energy. Here’s Why That Matters
Solar panels are a way to get your power from the sun’s rays rather than from fossil fuels burned in a distant power plant.
Stephen J. Bronner is a New York-based freelance writer, editor and reporter. Over his more than a decade in journalism, he has written about energy, local politics and schools, startup success tips, the packaged food industry, the science of work, personal finance and blockchain. His bylined work has appeared in Inverse, Kotaku, Entrepreneur, NextAdvisor and CNET, and op-eds written on behalf of his clients were published in Forbes, HR Dive, Fast Company, NASDAQ and MarketWatch. Stephen previously served as contributors editor and news editor for Entrepreneur.com, and was the VP, Content and Strategy, at Ditto PR. He enjoys video games and punk rock. See some of his work at stephenjbronner.com.
For as long as people’s homes have been connected to electrical grids, their options were limited to whatever energy source their utility relied on to generate power. That typically meant pollution-causing fossil fuels such as coal or natural gas.
But the way the US generates power saw a huge shift in 2022, as for the first time more electricity was drawn from renewable sources such as wind or hydro than from coal, according to the US Energy Information Administration. The EIA expects renewable sources to eventually overtake natural gas as the leading source of electricity in the US.
Another big energy shakeup is afoot in the US, as the costs of solar energy systems, which absorb then convert photons from the sun into electricity, have fallen enough to be competitive on price and efficiency. The average value, the EIA’s proxy for price, of solar panels decreased from 1.96 per peak kilowatt in 2010 to 34 cents per peak kilowatt in 2021.
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It’s clear that solar power has gained a foothold in the US and will continue to grow in the coming years, especially as more people take advantage of the federal government’s tax credits for renewable energy.
But what exactly is renewable energy, and why is it important?
Can solar panels save you money?
Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and we’ll instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings.
What is renewable energy?
Traditional sources of energy such as coal or natural gas are extracted from the planet and turned into fuel to generate power. These carbon-heavy materials are finite and will eventually be depleted. Extracting and burning these fossil fuels for energy is the leading cause of climate warming emissions, like carbon dioxide and methane, and a major source of other pollution too.
Renewables, on the other hand, create energy from sources like solar radiation, wind or water currents. Theoretically, renewables provide an infinite supply of power.
How does solar energy work?
Solar energy is naturally occurring and plentiful. The sun is already sending its photons to our planet, providing warmth and fueling plant life. Solar panels just make it so the sun fuels your coffee maker too.
All a solar system does is capture and convert that energy, said Asim Hafeez, owner and operator of Empower Energy Solutions, a Connecticut-based solar installer. Solar panels don’t produce power, they capture energy that’s already hitting our planet.
Here’s a broad overview of how energy from the sun powers your fridge, TV and other electrical devices in your home.
The sun’s rays reach the planet.2. Solar panels, mainly made of silicon-based photovoltaic cells, absorb some of that energy, while much of it bounces off.3. The energy, in direct current form, then flows through an inverter to transform to alternating current. It is now usable.4. If your home is connected to an electrical grid, the power generated might flow into the grid. 5. Finally, an electrical panel disseminates the electricity through your home, powering all your devices.
Why is renewable energy important?
Aside from the fact that coal, natural gas and other fossil fuels are a major contributor to climate change, they are in limited supply and will eventually be used up. It is in humanity’s best interest to find alternative fuel sources, and it makes sense to use sources that are clean, limitless and available to everyone.
As a civilization, our consumption of energy has only gone up, Hafeez said. If we’re pulling from a finite energy source, it’s just a matter of time before it runs out. Modern civilization will cease to exist without finding infinite sources of power.
Why go solar?
Reducing your individual energy consumption may not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but many people adopting renewables such as solar can make a considerable impact. But there are other benefits as well.
Investing in residential solar energy is a Smart decision for many folks who want to lower their electricity bills over time, reduce their carbon footprint and increase the value of their home, said Gilbert Michaud, assistant professor at Loyola University Chicago’s School of Environmental Sustainability. Installing solar can also help support local jobs for installers and manufacturers.
If you’re considering powering your home with solar energy, here are some advantages and disadvantages you should consider:
- Lower energy bills: Using energy generated from solar panels atop your home is considerably cheaper than pulling electricity from the grid. In this way, the installation of solar panels pay for themselves after a number of years.
- It’s better for the environment: If a large portion of people get their electricity from renewable sources, it would go a long way toward cutting down the emission of greenhouse gasses.
- Solar increases the value of your home: Not only will solar panels reduce your energy bills, but increase the value of your home, according to the US Department of Energy (PDF).
Disadvantages:
- Solar has big upfront costs: Solar power system installations can range in price from 10,000 to 30,000, which is a considerable amount of money, especially in a tight economy.
- Solar may not make sense for your home: If your home doesn’t get a lot of sun or if your energy utility doesn’t offer net metering, it may not make sense to install solar.
- It may require other work: Homeowners may have to remove tree limbs or fix their roofs before a solar system can be installed, adding more expense to a pricey project.
Top 7 Best Solar Companies in New York
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Dan Simms worked in real estate management for five years before using his experience to help property owners maintain their own homes. He got his master’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and he now enjoys sharing his knowledge about homeownership and DIY projects with others on Today’s Homeowner. When he’s not writing, he’s usually outdoors with his wife and his dog, enjoying mountain biking, skiing, and hiking.
Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.
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The weather and solar tax incentives available in New York present a great opportunity for residents to save money and reduce their carbon footprint at the same time. There are also many different solar installers to choose from, each offering different pricing, equipment, and warranty coverage. In this guide, we’ll be giving you our picks for the best solar companies in New York, plus information on how to choose the best one for your home and budget.
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Best Solar Installation Companies in New York
New Yorkers have plenty of options when it comes to solar installers, from small, local companies that provide stellar customer service to large national ones that have low pricing and above-average warranty coverage. Below is a list of the top seven solar contractors we’ve identified that service New York customers.
SunPower: Best Overall
Momentum Solar: Best For Local Experience
SUNation Solar Systems: Best for Customized Systems
Compare the Best Solar Companies in New York
| Company | Our Take | Our Rating | BBB Rating | Warranty | In-House Installation | Cost |
| SunPower | Overall | 9.8 | A | 25 years for equipment, workmanship, and efficiency | Sometimes | |
| Empower Solar | Best Customer Service | 9.8 | A | 25 years for equipment, workmanship, and efficiency | Yes | |
| Momentum Solar | Best for Local Experience | 9.5 | A | 25 to 30 years for equipment plus 10 years for workmanship | Yes | |
| Paradise Energy Solutions | Best Customer Reviews | 9.5 | A | 25 years for equipment and performance | Yes | |
| SUNation Energy Solutions | Best for Customized Systems | 9.3 | N/A | Manufacturer’s warranty for equipment plus 25 years for workmanship | Yes | |
| Trinity Solar | Best Financing Options | 9.2 | N/A | 25 years for equipment plus 5 years for workmanship | Yes | |
| Tesla | Best Technology | 9.1 | B | 25 years for equipment plus 10 years overall | No |
SunPower
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SunPower is one of the leading national solar providers in the United States, and it has a strong presence in New York. It is best known for its best-in-class solar equipment and its unmatched solar warranty, which covers equipment, workmanship, and solar panel power production for 25 years.
SunPower is a little more expensive than many of its competitors, but it is unmatched in equipment quality and warranty coverage. As such, most customers agree that the higher price is worth the investment.
Leader in solar equipment
Incredible warranty coverage
Only sells one solar product
SunPower’s systems average between 2.85 and 3.25 per watt, which is more costly than the national average and the average in NY. The typical 6.5-kW system required to offset electricity bills in the Empire State will cost between 18,500 and 22,000 from SunPower. This is before the 26% federal tax credit is considered.
SunPower is well known in the solar industry for its incredible warranty coverage. It covers the equipment, the power production, and the workmanship for 25 years. The company also provides roof leak coverage, which is very uncommon but great for New Yorkers, given the above-average rainfall in the area.
SunPower installs solar panels, solar batteries, and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. It also provides solar monitoring services for free for all installed systems.
SunPower accepts all financing options, including cash purchases, solar loans, solar leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs).
You can earn 100 in referral bonuses for every customer you refer to SunPower. This is far from the best referral program, but it’s a nice bonus for promoting renewable energy.
SunPower currently handles some of its installations in-house. It’s moving to a new business model where it handles all installations, which should lead to more consistent customer service.
SunPower only installs panels made by its sister company, Maxeon. However, these are considered the best solar panels available in terms of efficiency.
Many of SunPower’s installers are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The company is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). It’s also a member of the Green Building Council.
Empower Solar
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Empower Solar is a small solar company that only completes local solar installations. It services Long Island and New York City (NYC) only. However, it ranks so highly on our list because of its unmatched customer service and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Outstanding customer service
Local knowledge and experience
Excellent warranty coverage
Limited financing options
Empower is around average when it comes to cost, so you can reasonably expect a system from this company to total around 14,000 after the ITC is considered.
Empower only installs SunPower solar panels, so every system comes with the company’s unmatched 25-year comprehensive warranty. This covers equipment, power production, and workmanship, and you also get coverage for roof leaks.
Empower handles solar panel and solar battery installations and hooking up EV chargers. It also offers free solar monitoring.
Empower only accepts cash purchases and solar financing. There are no options for solar leases or PPAs, although we typically don’t advocate for those options anyway.
Empower has a referral program that provides a 50 gift card for each solar assessment scheduled with a referred customer. If any referred customers end up installing solar, you also get a 500 bonus.
Empower has an in-house team of installers. They are super knowledgeable, professional, and courteous, and they play a key role in maintaining the company’s reputation for great customer service.
Empower Solar only installs Maxeon solar panels (previously called SunPower solar panels) and Tesla Powerwalls. While the options are limited, these are regarded as the most efficient pieces of equipment available for home solar systems.
Empower Solar is partnered with several companies on Long Island to set up community solar farms. It also has NABCEP-certified installers on its team, and the company is accredited by the BBB.
Momentum Solar
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Momentum Solar is a regional solar installer and is one of the best in New York if you’re looking for expertise on local solar incentives and regulations. The company carefully chooses which states to operate in and becomes experts in those areas, one of which is New York. Momentum Solar is a great option for going solar in New York. Although it’s a touch on the expensive side, the value provided for the cost is outstanding.
Excellent customer service
Many financing options available
Services the entire state
Only offers solar panels and batteries
Slightly more expensive than competitors
Momentum comes in just above the state average in terms of pricing. While most other companies hover around 14,000 total, Momentum will likely be closer to 15,000. Again, the value provided for the cost is excellent.
Momentum also has great warranty coverage. It covers the equipment and workmanship for 25 years, and you also get the manufacturer’s warranty.
Momentum does fall a bit short when it comes to the services offered. It only installs solar panels and solar batteries, so it’s not the best option if you’re looking for add-on products or extended services.
Momentum Solar strives to keep solar accessible for all homeowners. To that end, it accepts cash purchases, solar loans, solar leases, and PPAs.
Like many other local installers, Momentum has a referral program that can let you earn money for promoting its services. You’ll get 75 for each referred customer that has a consultation, and an additional 75 if that person signs an agreement, and an additional 500 if they go through with the installation.
Momentum has a large team of in-house installation specialists, so you’ll never have your solar project outsourced to a third-party installer when you go with this company.
Momentum Solar offers Enphase batteries. When it comes to panels, it doesn’t publish specific information about the brands it uses. However, it does note that all of the panels installed are tier-one options.
Some of Momentum’s installers are certified by NABCEP, but there are no other industry affiliations to note.
Paradise Energy Solutions
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Paradise Energy Solutions is based in Pennsylvania but services the Tri-State area, including all of New York. Despite its large size, though, it is still able to provide a positive customer experience to most New Yorkers, and it delivers high-quality, high-efficiency equipment for each of its installations.
Great equipment warranty coverage
Excellent customer service
Countless positive reviews
Good selection of solar brands
Limited financing options
Workmanship warranty is below average
Paradise Energy Solutions doesn’t have specific costs posted on its website, but based on past customers’ reviews, we’ve determined that the cost is around average for the NY area. You can expect to pay around 14,000 for a solar system from this company.
Paradise Energy Solutions offers a 25-year warranty for equipment, which is great. However, the workmanship warranty is only 10 years, which is below the industry average.
Paradise Energy Solutions only handles installations for solar panels and solar batteries. Homeowners who want add-on products or services will have to look elsewhere.
This company accepts all financing options. These include cash purchases, solar loans, solar leases, and PPAs.
Paradise Energy Solutions performs all of its solar installations in-house, so you’ll only have Paradise installers working on your system.
This company installs equipment from quite a few different manufacturers. These include Enphase, LG, SMA, Solar Edge, QCells, Peimar, Axitec, and Solectria. Some of these are tier-one brands, and others are tier-two.
Some of Paradise Energy Solutions’ installers are NABCEP certified. This is the only noteworthy partnership the company has in the solar industry.
SUNation Energy Solutions
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SUNation Energy Solutions is a small, local company that only serves Long Island, plus Brooklyn and parts of Queens. It offers a nice array of equipment brands, equipment, and solar services for plenty of customization options. The customer service is also excellent.
SUNation is one of the leading solar installers on Long Island, and it provides excellent quality. However, it is more costly than many competitors in the area.
Years of local experience
Excellent warranty coverage
Few financing options available
SUNation doesn’t post average system costs online, but based on reviews and customer data, its appear to come in above average. You can expect to pay 15,000 or more in most cases when going solar with this installer.
SUNation offers the manufacturer’s warranty on all products, which averages around 25 years for the equipment. It also provides its own 25-year warranty for workmanship to deliver peace of mind.
SUNation offers traditional solar services, including solar panels, solar batteries, and EV chargers. It also handles solar electric system maintenance, upgrades to home electrical systems, and other energy efficiency upgrades for your home.
SUNation only accepts cash purchases and solar loans, so its systems are a bit less accessible than those from companies that also accept solar leases and PPAs. This is especially true given the high cost of SUNation’s services.
SUNation Energy Solutions does have a referral program through which you can earn cash for referring other homeowners or commercial customers. However, there are no specifics regarding the bonus you receive for referrals.
SUNation has a dedicated team of in-house installers. That means no outsourced installations and overall better customer service.
SUNation offers a great variety of tier-one solar brands. These include Panasonic, Solaria, Tesla, REC, Enphase, and S-Energy.
Many of SUNation’s installers are NABCEP certified. However, the company doesn’t have any other noteworthy solar industry affiliations.
Trinity Solar
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Trinity Solar is a local solar installer that has been serving New Yorkers since 1994. It has decades of local experience behind it, along with a long-standing reputation for excellent customer service. Trinity Solar provides great value for the money, especially given the caliber of the customer service.
Excellent customer service
Workmanship warranty is lacking
Trinity Solar doesn’t have any specific information available regarding pricing. However, it typically comes in around the average for the New York area, so you can expect to fall relatively close to 14,000 after the ITC is considered.
Trinity Solar’s equipment warranty covers panels, batteries, and inverters for 25 years. However, the workmanship warranty included is only good for five years, which is below the industry standard.
This company installs solar panels and solar batteries, and it tackles energy efficiency upgrades as well. It doesn’t offer EV chargers or solar monitoring.
Trinity Solar aims to make solar accessible and affordable by accepting cash purchases, solar financing, solar leases, and PPAs. This company should appeal to most homeowners, regardless of their financial situation.
You can earn up to 1,000 for each customer you refer to this company that eventually installs solar panels. This is a great way to earn some extra money while promoting clean energy.
Trinity Solar handles all of its installations in-house, which is one reason why it upholds its reputation for great customer service.
Trinity Solar doesn’t post specific solar brand offerings on its website, and that’s partially because it installs a wide variety of equipment. If you’re looking for a specific brand, the company’s representatives should be able to help you.
Trinity Solar employs numerous NABCEP-certified solar installers, and the company is accredited by the BBB. Additionally, it partners with local non-profit companies and provides a portion of each sale to one of them.
Tesla
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The Tesla brand is best known for its electric vehicles, but the massive tech company also produces solar panels, solar shingles, and Tesla Powerwalls, which are considered the best solar batteries available. The company also price matches to keep costs down.
High-tech, efficient equipment
Price matching for affordability
Only installs its own products
Tesla doesn’t have information available for its solar equipment pricing. However, it matches from competitors, so your system can end up being quite affordable. In general, though, it comes out to around average.
Tesla has a great 25-year warranty on all of its equipment. Unfortunately, the workmanship warranty only lasts for 10 years, which is less than ideal and not as long as you’ll get from many competitors.
Tesla installs solar panels, solar batteries, and EV chargers. It also offers solar shingles, a technology pioneered by the tech company and one of the most energy-efficient types of roofing.
Tesla only accepts solar loans and cash purchases. Rather than keeping costs down with leases and PPAs, it does so by offering a price match system to beat competitors.
Tesla outsources all of the installations for its solar equipment. Unfortunately, this often leads to customer service that is less than ideal, and it can also lead to delays in installation and issues with the equipment or roof penetration.
Another downside of working with Tesla is that it only installs its own equipment. You’ll be locked into Tesla solar panels or shingles as well as the Tesla Powerwall.
Tesla is accredited by the BBB but has no other partnerships in the solar industry.
Final Verdict: The Best Solar Company in New York
There is no shortage of solar companies available for hire in New York, and deciding which one you want to hire for your solar system can be difficult. To find the best one for your home, you’ll need to assess companies based on price, value, equipment options, and warranty coverage, along with other factors that can affect your overall experience.
Our pick for the best solar company in New York is SunPower. SunPower is best known for providing the most efficient solar panels in the industry, but it also has the most appealing warranty coverage, a huge service area, and open availability.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Solar Company in New York
If you’re deciding between some of the companies we’ve reviewed above, or you’re considering moving forward with a different option, it’s important to know how to compare providers based on your local needs in NY. We’ll discuss some of the most important considerations to make when going solar in New York.
Cost of Services Installation
First, you should consider the overall pricing of the services. To get this information, you might have to request a free consultation and quote from the companies in the running. You can sometimes use the pricing to rule out providers, as some of the more expensive ones could easily fall outside of your budget.
When comparing pricing, we suggest you also consider the quality of the service and equipment you get for the price. Some equipment brands — like Maxeon panels from SunPower — are more efficient than others and are worth more. While they come with higher upfront costs, they also could lead to greater savings over time.
Equipment and Damages Warranty
New York is prone to some severe weather, including thunderstorms, tropical storms, and the remnants of hurricanes. Parts of the state also receive upwards of 50 inches of rain each year, meaning the risk of roof leaks following solar installation is higher than average.
Solar warranties can cover equipment, efficiency, or workmanship, and the best of the best cover all three. Lengthy warranties will help keep your investment protected in New York’s frequently inclement weather, and companies that offer roof leak protection — like Empower — can provide the greatest peace of mind in rainier areas.
Solar Services Offered
Some solar customers will just want panels installed and connected to the electrical grid for backup power. Others might want add-on products and services like:
- Solar batteries for providing power through blackouts — a great option for northern NY, where snowfall is well above average and leads to power outages
- EV chargers
- Solar panel maintenance, and
- Solar monitoring.
If you know what services you want, you can rule out companies that don’t provide those options.
Financing Options
Solar energy systems in New York average around 24,500 before the federal tax credit or other New York solar incentives which is quite expensive. Many homeowners won’t be able to pay cash for their system, although this payment option does tend to lead to the greatest savings over time.
Most companies also accept solar financing, which decreases upfront payment but usually doesn’t eliminate it. Solar leases and PPAs are no-money-down options offered by some companies. However, these tend to save far less in energy savings than loans and cash purchases, so they’re often not recommended.
Do They Contract Installation?
We recommend you check to see if the solar companies you’re considering have in-house installation teams that complete the actual work. Those that do will typically have better customer service, and it might be easier to file warranty claims with them.
Other companies — like Tesla — use third-party companies for the installations. This helps keep costs down, but it can sometimes lead to poor customer service.
Neither is exclusively better, so you’ll have to decide which is best for your situation.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
There are many different companies that manufacture solar equipment, and the panels, batteries, and inverters all vary in their efficiency, durability, and quality. There is no single brand that is best for everyone, although Maxeon panels from SunPower and the Tesla Powerwall are two of the most respected and efficient pieces of equipment in the industry.
If you know what equipment brands you want based on price, warranty, or efficiency, you can rule out any companies that don’t offer those brands.
Average Online Rating and Customer Reviews
We suggest looking at online reviews for solar companies you’re thinking of hiring. It’s not always easy to ascertain the quality provided by an installer unless you get an unbiased look at its past services, and company reviews are a great way to do this.
We recommend looking at both positive and negative reviews to see the best-case scenario and the worst-case scenario you might run into when you choose that company.
Industry Partnerships
Looking at a company’s affiliations within the solar industry and partnerships it has with local companies or organizations is a good way to confirm that the installer is in the industry for more than just profit. New York is ranked 11th in the country for solar installations, so there are plenty of companies popping up to take advantage of the demand. Partnerships establish trust and suggest reputability.
Size of Company
Finally, you should consider the size of the company you’re thinking of hiring. Larger, national companies are appealing to some homeowners because they usually have flexible installation timelines, lower prices, and better warranties, although that’s not always the case.
Smaller, local companies typically provide superior customer service and customization options for your system. Regional providers usually fall somewhere in the middle.
Again, no option will be ideal for everyone, so you’ll have to decide which you prefer.
FAQs abut the Best Solar Companies in New York
Who is the most reputable solar installer in NY?
We believe SunPower is the most reputable solar installer in New York. This company has been in business since 1985, so it has many decades of experience and success behind it. It also provides an industry-leading warranty, so most customers will find ultimate peace of mind when going with this solar installer.
Is getting solar in NY worth it?
For the large majority of customers in New York State, solar is an outstanding investment. The Empire State has some great solar incentives, including net metering, which lets you produce excess energy and credit future bills for maximum savings. The state also receives 224 days of sun per year, which is well above average and plenty to offset electric bills for most homeowners.
Most New Yorkers who pay cash for their solar solutions experience energy savings that pay for the equipment and installation fees within 10 years. The additional 10 years of expected system life should provide far more long-term savings.
Does NY get enough sun for solar?
Yes! As mentioned above, New York residents enjoy 224 sunny days per year, which is above the national average. Provided you don’t have heavy shading on your roof, you should receive plenty of sun to make going solar a good investment.
How much do solar panels cost in New York?
The average cost for solar panels in New York is around 2.95 per watt. Since most customers need a 6.5-kW system to eliminate utility bills, the typical system will cost around 19,000.
After the federal tax credit, that total drops to an average of around 14,000. There are some additional local rebates that could help further reduce the cost of solar panel installation as well.
With that being said, many factors can affect your pricing. System costs totaling between 9,000 and 22,000 are not uncommon.
Will solar panels in NY lower my electricity bill?
In most cases, yes. In fact, many New York homeowners eliminate their energy bills by going solar.
Your panels harvest energy from the sun. When they produce more than your home is using, NY’s net metering program lets you send the excess to the grid. You maintain access to that free power whenever your system underproduces, like on a day with heavy Cloud coverage.
With a properly-sized system, it’s very common for New Yorkers to see a 0 energy bill each month for most of the year.
Are there tax credits for solar panels in NY?
Unfortunately, New York doesn’t currently have a statewide solar tax credit. However, the federal investment tax credit (ITC) is available to all NY residents. This provides a credit to your income taxes for 26% of the total system cost. In New York, the ITC averages out to around 5,000.
Who is the most affordable solar installer in New York?
Tesla is considered the most affordable solar installer in New York. While its products are high-tech and relatively expensive on their own, the company offers price matching, which means you can often get its equipment for less than competitors charge for their own.
Can I get solar for free in NY?
Some solar panel companies advertise “free panels,” but this is usually a deal — like a solar lease or PPA — that doesn’t require money down. In reality, there is no such thing as free panels. Solar leases and PPAs both come with their own downsides. For example, they don’t lead to you owning the equipment, and they save you the least amount of money over time.
Dan Simms worked in real estate management for five years before using his experience to help property owners maintain their own homes. He got his master’s degree in English Literature and Creative Writing, and he now enjoys sharing his knowledge about homeownership and DIY projects with others on Today’s Homeowner. When he’s not writing, he’s usually outdoors with his wife and his dog, enjoying mountain biking, skiing, and hiking.
Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.