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5 Best Solar Companies in Fort Drum, NY

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated June 2024

Every year, more Fort Drum residents adopt rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and provide a dependable source of power. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a qualified solar installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and created a guide to the best and most trustworthy solar installation companies in Fort Drum.

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Top Pick
4.2/5
  • Long warranty options
  • Insurance available on panels
  • Free Tesla Power Wall maintenance
Best Customer Service
3.9/5
  • Great customer service
  • Good warranty options
  • Excellent industry reputation

Top 5 Best Solar Companies in Fort Drum

Advertisement This site receives compensation from some of the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. When you click "Get Quote," you will be connected with partners who may contact you with information related to your inquiry. This listing doesn't feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.

PTM SOLAR INC.

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6538 Baptist Way, DeWitt, NY 13057 (315) 455-2395 ptmcommunitysolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation
Community solar projects
Financing assistance

Proven Energy Systems

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1408 Co Rd 6, Hammond, NY 13646 (315) 771-6483 provenenergysystems.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Panel installation
Consultation
Battery storage
Off-grid solar systems
Grid-tied solar system

Nickels Energy Solutions

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7485 Morgan Rd, Clay, NY 13090 (315) 481-7412 nickelsenergysolutions.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Financing assistance
Panel installation
Permit assistance

J&A Electrical Construction LLC

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6876 Trenton Rd, Barneveld, NY 13304 (315) 273-0103 jasolarconstruction.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Battery storage
Financing assistance
Panel installation

JA Electric, Inc

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9166 N Main St, Canastota, NY 13032 (315) 552-1245 cnysolar.net

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
Financing assistance
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Going solar can be a great way to reduce electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when deciding if a solar installer is trustworthy.

Check Licensing

Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. The New York state government does not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your city or county government for its specific regulations and requirements.

Read Customer Reviews

Check TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to see what past customers are saying about local solar installers. Detailed reviews on these platforms can help you evaluate a provider's reliability and customer service. Stay away from companies with few or mainly poor reviews.

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar installer that works with your budget, ask for free, detailed quotes from three to five providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.

Ask About the Warranty

High-quality solar installations should have robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help reduce your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.

  • Compare system purchase options: Homeowners can pay for solar panels outright or spread out payments over time with loans or leases. Be sure to confirm key details like fees, payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), and what ownership means when financing solar panels.
  • Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may have extra discounts to encourage homeowners to adopt solar power. Review the eligibility criteria and rebate amounts with your local provider to figure out your potential savings.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for the full cost of solar systems until 2032. Many states also provide incentives. The credits can add up to significant savings for solar buyers.

Cost of Solar Installation in Fort Drum

The cost of home solar panels in Fort Drum depends on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system costs $3,650 per kilowatt, not including preliminary work, permit fees, or labor. Most solar systems in Fort Drum are 4.6 kilowatts, and the typical Fort Drum homeowners spends $11,775 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Fort Drum Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: PACE Financing

Website: nyserda.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

Locally determined

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: tax.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

25% for solar-electric (PV) and solar-thermal systems; for third-party owned systems this is in reference to the aggregate amount owed under the contract rather than the amount owed in any single year

Incentive Type: Corporate Tax Credit

Incentive Amount:

$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

Upon local authorization, 100% exemption from local sales tax

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Website: tax.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption from state sales tax

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: tax.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

Upon local adoption, 20% - 100% of real property taxes owed; varies by year and certification level

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: tax.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% of the value added to the residence by the improvements

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: tax.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption for 15 years (unless local jurisdiction has opted out)

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: ny-sun.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

Incentive rates step down over time as MW goals are met. Incentive rates as of 11/27/2019 are:

Residential:
Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed)
Con Edison Region: $0.30/W
Upstate Region: $0.35/W
Low-to-Moderate income customers: $0.80/W (up to 10 kW)

Small Commercial (Non-Residential):Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed)
Con Edison Region: $0.60/W
Up State Region: $0.45/W

Multifamily Affordable Housing Adder: additional $0.40/W (up to 50 kW)

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: nyserda.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

Small Systems (≤ 10 cooling tons): $1,500/cooling ton
Large Systems (> 10 cooling tons): $1,200/cooling ton

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: nyserda.ny.gov

Incentive Type: Other Incentive

Website: greenbank.ny.gov

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: tax.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: nyserda.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

Tier I: 10,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $3.50/annual kWh
Tier II: 10,000 kWh - 125,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $1.00/annual kWh
Tier III: 125,000 kWh - 1,000,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $0.30/ annual kWh
Tier IV: Greater than 1,000,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $0.15/ annual kWh
These incentives are additive.

Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive

Website: nyserda.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

  • Capacity Incentive: Varies on the construction and design of the system
  • Performance Incentive: $0.025/kWh production payment for new systems for up to 10 years (estimated using a capacity factor of 75%)
  • Interconnection Incentive: up to 75% of the costs exceeding $5,000
  • Project Enhancement Incentives: Available for Black Start Capability, Hydrogen Sulfide reduction, design for accepting food waste and others

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Fort Drum, NY

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heater.

With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and gain additional energy independence.

It depends on where you live and what type of panels you're installing. Fort Drum can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.

Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the environmental benefits and savings of solar energy without having to completely switch over.

Yes, solar panels can still generate energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system is able to keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider and look for a solar system that includes a battery backup.

With respect to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should speak with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.

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