Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
A rooftop solar array could give you a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a reputable solar installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and compiled a guide to the most reputable solar installation companies in Rochester. These top companies offer high-quality and reliable services.
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
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:
Installing solar panels can lower your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.
Confirm that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. New York state does not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your county or city government for its specific regulations and requirements.
Check consumer review platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's dependability and level of service. Use caution with installers that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact three to five solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the option that best fits your budget.
High-quality solar installations should have robust workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.
Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Rochester will depend on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system will cost $3,650 per kilowatt, not including labor, preliminary work, or permit fees. Most solar systems in Rochester are 4.2 kilowatts, and the typical Rochester homeowners spends $10,653 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
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 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 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 Amount:
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.
With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, so you can reap the environmental benefits and savings of solar energy without having to completely switch over.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Rochester, meaning your payback period could last 15.4 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
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. As for 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.
The answer will depend on your specific needs and goals. For a typical home, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for Rochester homes. However, if you're looking at a more frugal option, then you could polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When you're choosing a contractor, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels a contractor offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Solar panels can be more efficient than other forms of renewable energy. They have low maintenance costs and today's systems can stand up to the worst conditions.
