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10 Best Solar Companies in Union, NY

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

Solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Union homes. Making the switch to solar power allows you to cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a trustworthy installation company first. That’s why we’ve researched the options and assembled a guide to the most reputable solar installation companies in Union. These top companies offer high-quality and reliable services.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service
Best Solar Panel Leasing
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 10 Best Solar Companies in Union

ETM Solar Works

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300 North St, Endicott, NY 13760 (607) 785-6499 etmsolar.com

Free quotes

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Battery storage
Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Tesla powerwall
Consultation

Southern Tier Solar Works

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First Congregational Offices, 30 Main St, Binghamton, NY 13905 (607) 873-9220 southerntiersolarworks.org

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Consultation
Panel installation
Community solar projects
Financing assistance

Solar Opportunities, LLC

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2201 Sheshequin Rd, Towanda, PA 18848 (570) 212-9480 solaropportunitiesllc.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Financing assistance
Consultation
Permit assistance
Panel installation

Intelligent Green Solutions (IGS)

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1143 Dryden Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 (866) 669-1786 intelligentgreensolutions.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Panel installation

Renovus Solar

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1520 Trumansburg Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 277-1777 renovussolar.com

Free quotes

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Financing assistance
Community solar projects
Grid-tied solar system
Off-grid solar systems
Panel installation
Battery storage

SunMaxx Solar

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15 Catherwood Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 (877) 786-6299 sunmaxxsolar.com

Free quotes

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Financing assistance
Panel installation

Great Brook Solar NRG LLC

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819 County Rd 28, South New Berlin, NY 13843 (607) 847-6366 greatbrooksolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Panel installation
Skilled repairs
Cleaning and maintenance

Solar Mason

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800 James Ave suite 209, Scranton, PA 18510 (570) 795-4019 solar-mason.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Solar carports
Permit assistance
Panel installation
Battery storage
Grid-tied solar system
Financing assistance

Electric City Solar Co

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502 S Blakely St, Dunmore, PA 18512 (570) 707-6527 electriccitysolarco.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Services Offered

Panel installation
Consultation

Green Visions Solar

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8533 E Seneca Turnpike, Manlius, NY 13104 (315) 726-0088 greenvisionssolar.com

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Battery storage
Permit assistance
Panel installation
Financing assistance
Skilled repairs
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

Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.

Check Licensing

It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. New York regulators do not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your county or city government for its specific requirements and regulations.

Read Customer Reviews

Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar providers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Be cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact 3–5 solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the best value based on your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Top-notch solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers installation defects, such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties show that a solar company believes in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help reduce your energy expenses. Be sure to weigh these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.

  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased upfront or financed through loans or leases. Confirm important financing details such as payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), fees, and ownership implications when financing your solar system.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states offer incentives, too. The credits can lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.
  • Look into utility rebates: More financial incentives might be available from local power companies looking to encourage homeowners to go solar. Contact your local utility provider to learn rebate values and eligibility rules, so you can calculate your possible savings.

Cost of Solar Installation in Union

Union homeowners typically spend about $11,857 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Union cost roughly $3,650 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 4.6 kilowatts. A personalized estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for permit fees, labor, and preliminary work, and will account for your system's size, panel type, and capacity. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Union 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: Loan Program

Website: ny-sun.ny.gov

Incentive Amount:

Residential Customers: $1,500 - $25,000

Small Business and Not-for-Profit Organizations:
Participation Loans: up to $100,000 (at low interest rate)
On-Bill Recovery loans: $50,000 at 2%

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 Union, NY

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

With home solar PV, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.

It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Union can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.

Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Union, the average amount someone can save is $575 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.

While solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, a contractor might recommend other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still help the environment and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.

Yes, solar panels can still supply you with 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 that offers battery backup systems or emergency generators.

Some frequently-used types of home solar panels in Union include polycrystalline, monocrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while polycrystalline and thin-film panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Talk with your local provider about the types of solar panels they work with.

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