Top 7 Best Solar Companies in New York
March 6, 2024
How To Choose a Solar Installer (2024 Guide)
Installing solar panels on your home can be a big investment that will impact your house and finances for decades to come. With so many new solar companies entering the market, it can be tricky to know how to select the best solar company for your needs. Doing the proper research and due diligence during the selection process is crucial to ensure you end up with a high-quality solar energy system and avoid potential issues down the road. This guide will walk you through the key factors to evaluate when choosing a solar installer.
Highest Quality Panels
4.4
Installs high-quality Maxeon panels
Outstanding customer support
Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years
Best Damage Protection
3.7
Affordable prices
Excellent selection of panels and services
Locations in 22 states
Best Solar Financing
4.3
No payments needed for 18 months
Provides in-house financing
Offers top brands like LG and Trina
Best Customer Service
3.9
Highly rated customer service
Provides 24/7 panel monitoring
Solid A+ rating with the BBB
Compare the Top-Rated Solar Providers
For the best solar companies, see our list of top seven picks. Among them, SunPower stands out. The chart below compares these top-rated providers.
| Company | Logo | Star Rating | Best For | Service Area | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Highest Quality Panels |
All 50 states |
|||
|
Best Damage Protection |
20 states |
|||
|
Best Solar Financing |
22 states |
|||
|
Best Customer Service |
9 states |
|||
 |
Best Customization Options |
9 states |
|||
 |
Fastest-Growing Solar Provider |
7 states |
| Company | Star Rating | Best For | Service Area | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Highest Quality Panels |
All 50 states |
A+ |
||
Best Damage Protection |
20 states |
A+ |
||
Best Solar Financing |
22 states |
A+ |
||
Best Customer Service |
9 states |
A+ |
||
Best Customization Options |
9 states |
A+ |
||
Fastest-Growing Solar Provider |
7 states |
F |
Key Factors When Selecting a Solar Installer
Choosing the right solar installation company is one of the most important decisions you'll make as part of going solar. The installer you select will determine everything from the quality of equipment used, to pricing and financing options, to the competency of the installation and follow-up service. It pays to thoroughly vet potential installers on several key criteria before making a decision. This ensures you end up with a solar system that meets your expectations and provides maximum return on your investment.
Verify Licenses, Certifications & Insurance
The first step is to confirm that any installer you consider carries the proper licenses, certifications, and insurance for residential solar work in your state. Most states require solar contractors to hold a specialized solar license, electrical license, or general contractor's license. Ask potential installers about their specific licenses.
Also, ask if the company has installers on staff who hold certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). This is one of the most respected credentials in the solar industry that proves installers have passed exams highlighting their training, experience, and knowledge. Licenses and NABCEP certifications help provide assurance of legitimate solar expertise.
Reputable installers should also carry general liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation insurance to protect you from any potential liability or injury issues. Verify this coverage along with active licensing.
Read Reviews and Ask for Referrals
Once you’ve verified the proper credentials, take time to research reviews and testimonials for each company you are considering. Online sources like Google and Yelp can provide customer feedback. Check the Better Business Bureau for any major issues. The right solar company will have overwhelmingly positive reviews about its professionalism, quality of work, and service after the sale.
Ask the installers for references from past customers that you can call or email. Speaking directly to homeowners who had systems installed by the company can provide valuable insights. Ask if the contractor delivered on promised production, if the installation process went smoothly, and if any follow-up service has been needed. A quality company should readily provide references.
Established installers with a strong reputation and plenty of positive referrals are preferable to new companies with little proven history. Solar installations are significant, customized projects that require experience and expertise.
Our Reviews of the Top Solar Companies
To find the best solar companies in your state please select it from the tool below:
To find the Best Solar Companies near you, select your state from the dropdown menu below.
Understand the Warranties
When comparing providers, be sure to closely evaluate the warranties each offer. Reputable solar installers will stand behind their work and equipment with comprehensive warranties.
Ask about the labor and workmanship warranty that covers defects and issues with the installation itself. One to two years of coverage is typical. Longer labor warranties exceeding 5 or 10 years can offer enhanced peace of mind.
Equipment warranties on solar panels and inverters should last a minimum of 10 years, though 25-year equipment warranties are now common. With proper maintenance, a solar system is expected to function efficiently for 25 to 30 years or longer, so the longer the equipment coverage, the better.
Understanding warranty terms up-front ensures you’ll be covered for possible equipment failures or installation problems over the system's lifetime. Carefully read all warranties before signing a contract.
Featured Video: Should You Go Solar?
How Can You Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company?
Adding solar is a major investment, so it pays to explore any options for reducing the costs. Ask prospective installers if they offer in-house financing or know of any current incentives or rebates through local utilities or state programs that could help lower the overall price.
Many homeowners are able to save significantly on a solar installation by taking advantage of federal or state tax credits and localized rebates. Solar installers should be knowledgeable about available incentives to help you maximize savings.
You can also negotiate directly with installers on system prices and financing rates if you pay out of pocket. Compare quotes from multiple providers for leverage. However, balance system quality with overall value, not just bottom dollar price.
Additionally, some solar companies offer special limited-time promotions, seasonal sales, or discounts for signing up by a specified deadline that could reduce your overall costs. So timing your solar search to align with these savings opportunities can certainly pay off.
Click your state below to find out just how much going solar will cost you and how much you can save.
What Are Your Financing Options When Installing Solar?
When budgeting for a solar installation, you have several options for covering the up-front costs:
Paying the full system cost up-front allows you to own the solar panels and equipment outright while benefiting from electricity savings immediately. This option works best for homeowners who have discretionary funds available or can tap home equity through a loan. Though expensive initially, owning the system often provides the best return over the long term.
Many banks and credit unions now offer attractive low-interest solar loans to help spread out system costs over time. Loan terms typically range from 5-20 years, with fixed interest rates competitive with standard financing. This allows homeowners to finance solar installations with little or no money down through predictable monthly payments.
Solar leasing has homeowners essentially "rent" a system for zero or minimal up-front costs. A solar company installs and owns the equipment, while the homeowner pays a fixed monthly lease payment based on the energy produced. Leases run 10-25 years and often include maintenance and monitoring. There are generally no ownership rights, but you benefit from lower electric bills.
Like a solar lease, a PPA provides solar with no up-front cost and a contract to purchase the system's electricity at a fixed rate that is lower than your utility's. The solar company maintains full ownership and responsibility for the equipment over the typical 20-year contract. Monthly payments are based only on the energy produced.
Each financing plan has its own pros, cons, and financial considerations, so discuss all options with installers to choose what works best for your situation.
What Can You Expect During a Solar Installation?
Understanding the full process and timeline for installation can help you prepare for going solar:
Consultation - The process starts with an initial site evaluation and meeting at your home to discuss your unique situation, electricity usage needs, and goals and to begin designing a solar system that fits your roof space and meets your demands. Installers will also provide detailed quotes outlining system sizes, equipment, pricing, warranties, estimated production, and timelines.
Permitting - After signing a contract, your solar company will handle securing all necessary permits for the installation from your city's building and inspections department. Local jurisdictions require approval and will need drawings, plans, and often structural engineering analysis before issuing a permit, which can take days or weeks.
Installation - With a permit in hand, a crew will complete the physical installation over several days. This involves mounting and wiring panels, installing inverters and electrical components, trenching (if necessary), making connections, and performing other specialized tasks. Installers will protect your home and property during the process.
Inspections - At key stages during and after installation, city inspectors will examine the system to ensure it meets code and safety requirements. Your installer will coordinate these mandatory inspections. All work must be signed off before the panels can operate.
Interconnection - Following final inspection approval, your utility company will complete the interconnection of your system to the grid and electric panel. This activates your solar to begin sending power to your home.
Operation - With the interconnection complete, your system will now be producing renewable solar energy for your home. Ongoing maintenance and production monitoring may be included as part of your agreement. Your installer will provide guidance on optimizing your solar investment.
The full process typically takes 4-8 weeks from consultation to solar operation, depending on system size. Some cities have permitting backlogs that can extend timelines. Installers should provide you with an estimated schedule so you know what to expect through each step.
So, What's the Best Way to Choose a Solar Installer?
Selecting the right solar installation company is key to realizing the benefits of a rooftop solar system. Conduct thorough research to find experienced local installers who hold the proper licenses and certifications, have outstanding online reviews, and offer strong warranties on their work and equipment. Be sure to get quotes from multiple installers to assess your options and pricing. And don't hesitate to ask providers plenty of questions to determine if they have the expertise to properly handle your particular install.
By carefully vetting providers, understanding financing, and learning what to expect through the solar process, you can feel confident in choosing a trustworthy installation company that will deliver an efficient, high-quality rooftop solar system tailored to your needs and budget.
Highest Quality Panels
4.4
Installs high-quality Maxeon panels
Outstanding customer support
Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years
Best Damage Protection
3.7
Affordable prices
Excellent selection of panels and services
Locations in 22 states
Best Solar Financing
4.3
No payments needed for 18 months
Provides in-house financing
Offers top brands like LG and Trina
Best Customer Service
3.9
Highly rated customer service
Provides 24/7 panel monitoring
Solid A+ rating with the BBB
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