PR firms have played a key role in obstructing action on climate change over the past 30 years, engaging in PR campaigns on behalf of the fossil fuel industry to not only downplay the seriousness of climate change, but also to position industry-favored solutions as the preferred course of action.
A new peer-reviewed study, published in Climatic Change on November 30 by Robert J. Brulle and Carter Werthman of Brown University, analyzes the role that PR firms have played in the climate misinformation ecosystem between 1988 and 2020. The study looked at 214 organizations across five major sectors — coal/steel/rail, oil & gas, utilities, renewable energy, and the environmental movement — and found that electric utilities hired and used PR firms the most out of any other sector analyzed, followed by oil and gas.
At the same time, those organizations used a very small number of big names in the PR world, including Edelman, Glover Park Group, Cerrell, and Ogilvy. Of more than 600 PR firms analyzed, the top 25 accounted for nearly a third of the engagement on climate work with companies and nonprofits.
“The fossil fuel industry’s obstruction of climate action goes beyond misinformation and climate denial. A major part of the effort to obstruct climate action involves enhancing the positive public reputation for the fossil fuel companies and emphasizing the benefits of continued fossil fuel use,” said Robert Brulle, visiting professor at Brown University and co-author on the article. “From the severity of climate impacts to policies to address the problem, PR firms are a big part of the corporate propaganda machinery that guides the way Americans think about the issue.”
The authors wrote that while much has been written about the role of right-wing think tanks, dark money, and corporate power in misleading the public on climate change, very little is understood about how PR firms fit into the story. They are often viewed as passive players in climate obfuscation, rather than active agents, which ignores the influential role they play in “conceptualization, design, and execution of communications and political campaigns,” the study said. PR firms intentionally try to remain invisible.
The study aims to shine a light on some of the most prominent companies, the role of which the authors say is “on par with conservative think tanks or environmental groups” in terms of influence over public climate discussions. The PR firms “remain unexamined, and not held to account for their activities.”
“This study adds a new cast of characters to our understanding of the key actors in climate change politics,” the study states. “Along with ExxonMobil, Koch Enterprises, Greenpeace, the Heartland Institute, and the Competitive Enterprise Institute, we need to add in PR firms such as Edelman, Glover Park, Cerrell, and Ogilvy.”
Edelman stood out with the most PR “engagements,” and also accounted for most of the PR work from the oil and gas industry. The researchers found that Edelman was the only PR firm that worked across all five sectors identified in the study. It is relatively rare for PR companies to do work for both the oil industry and an environmental group, for example. Edelman could not be reached for comment in time for publication.
While most sectors that encompass the fossil fuel industry and its affiliates long-ago eschewed outright climate denial as an overarching strategy to derail climate action, corporate entities have deployed a range of other strategies to slow or block threatening policies. The most common PR tactic is “corporate image promotion,” or greenwashing, while explicit climate denial itself was rarely used, according to the analysis.
This study finds that PR firms are responsible for phrases that have become commonplace, such as “clean coal,” “renewable natural gas,” “coal country,” and “carbon footprint.” These concepts have become “taken-for-granted discourse regarding climate change, and subsequently shaped the public debate about the issue,” the authors note.
Once such phrases catch on, they become a conventional way of framing the topic. For instance, U.S. Presidents from Barack Obama to Donald Trump have all used the phrase “clean coal” when discussing their approaches to energy policy.
Inside one of America’s Power “clean coal mobile classsrooms.” America’s Power / CC BY 2.0
The tactics used by PR firms include paid media campaigns, earned media placements, so-called grassroots events (or astroturfing), and social media campaigns. DeSmog and others in climate journalism have long been working to expose how corporate interests employ these PR industry techniques to manipulate public opinion on climate and energy, from Edelman’s 2014 work on behalf of a TransCanada tar sands pipeline to FTI Consulting’s recent efforts to sell hydrogen and natural gas as climate solutions.
In particular, the use of PR by the oil and gas industry spiked a few times over the last three decades, the study found, most notably in 1989 and 1996. Those years coincide with two notable events: the Congressional testimony of climate scientist James Hansen in 1989 about the threat of climate change and the mid- to late-1990s push for the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions. However, the authors cautioned that they cannot empirically draw a causal link between those events and the use of PR on climate change.
Brulle and Werthman noted that the study is not comprehensive; they only looked at national PR campaigns, not state or local engagement on climate and energy. The research also does not include in-house PR created by companies themselves, only those done by external PR firms. And, importantly, many relationships between corporate entities and PR firms are private and not publicly disclosed, so this study likely underestimates the role of the PR industry.
The advocacy group Clean Creatives, launched last year, has been pushing for the PR and advertising industries to break ties with fossil fuel companies. Duncan Meisel, director of Clean Creatives, welcomed this study’s efforts to highlight those ties.
“Agencies like Edelman, Ogilvy, and WeberShandwick named in this report need to recognize that work for fossil fuel companies is doing significant damage to their reputation and legacy. The hard truth is that advertising and public relations agencies are essential to the fossil fuel industry’s propaganda machine, and work for fossil clients has stopped the world from adequately responding to the climate emergency,” Meisel told DeSmog in an email. “The best time to stop working for fossil fuel clients was 20 years ago, when we had much more time to stop the climate emergency, the second best time is now.”
Reposted with permission from DeSmog.
Best Eco-Friendly Cell Phone Cases: Our Recommendations
- Best Overall: LifeProof Wake
- Best Compostable Case: Pela Case
- Best Wooden Case: Loam & Lore
- Best Drop Protection: CASETiFY Impact Case
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. Learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.
Why Switch to an Eco-Friendly Cell Phone Case?
The most popular cases for cell phones are made from a plastic called polycarbonate, which is often used in bulletproof windows because of its hardness. However, BPA is used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate polymers, according to the American Chemistry Council. Exposure to BPA can have negative health effects on the brains of children and issues like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults.
Many eco-friendly cases are designed to be fully biodegradable and compostable within two years, according to various manufacturers. Meanwhile, plastic phone cases (and other plastics) can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Switching to a sustainable phone case can help you cut down on your plastic pollution and
Full Reviews of Our Top Picks
The products listed below are recommended for the iPhone 13 Pro (except the Loam & Lore cover, which is for the iPhone 13). Case availability for Androids and other iPhone models are listed and linked below each product description.
Best Overall: LifeProof Wake Series
LifeProof
This Wake Series cell phone case by LifeProof is made from at least 85% recycled ocean plastic. A dollar from each purchase goes to one of its ocean-conscious nonprofit partners like Coral Reef Alliance or Oceana.
This cell phone case has drop protection from about 6.5 feet and is wireless charging compatible. Screen protectors are sold separately. The design is lightweight so the case fits easily into your pocket, but some buyers think it’s a bit slippery. The case features a unique wave pattern on the back and comes in solid colors. The purchase includes a one-year limited warranty.
Standout Review: “Awesome phone case, great style that fits in your hand perfectly, and for a great cause, too!” — Mitch via Amazon
Why Buy: LifeProof takes ocean-based plastic and makes the most of it, then turns around and donates more money from your purchase to ocean conservation nonprofits. Its cell phone case also hits the right points on durability, sleek design and warranty protection.
Also Available: iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Best Compostable Case: Pela Case
Pela
When Pela phone cases hit the market, they claimed to be “the world's first 100% compostable, eco-friendly phone case,” and while that’s a high bar to clear, the cases really do live up to the hype. Pela cases are made from compostable bioplastics, which are the most sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic (when composted correctly).
Pela donates 5% of sales to charities that improve ocean health, including Save the Waves, Surfrider Foundation and Oceana, and the company is also a member of 1% for the Planet. The company makes Android and iPhone cases with matte finishes as well as clear cases with protective, drop-proof edges.
Standout Review: “Was hesitant to buy this because I drop phones frequently, and it hasn't been drop tested. I gave it a shot because I like the company's ideals. Within 3 days of getting a new [phone], I dropped it from 4 feet onto asphalt screen-first. Not only is the phone perfectly fine, the case isn't even scratched.” — Thomas via Amazon
Why Buy: Pela’s mission is one we can get behind. With certified compostable phone cases that come in a variety of designs, you can stop plastic from entering the environment or clogging a landfill in the first place.
Also Available: iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S10
Best Wooden Case: Loam & Lore
Loam & Lore
Made of wood and lined with biodegradable materials like wheat straw, this is one of the best eco-friendly cell phone cases if you like a natural look. This sustainable smartphone case offers drop protection from five feet and is wireless charging compatible, according to the UK-based brand. If wood phone cases are your preference, you may consider a new case from Loam & Lore.
Standout Review: “I love that it is made from recycled materials, the color is awesome and it's affordable. The protection is 360 and provides enough lip to protect the screen when dropped.” — Alex via Amazon
Why Buy: This eco-friendly cell phone case is affordable, stylish and reduces your environmental impact. For every wooden case purchased, the company plants one tree, and it also donates 5% of profits to charities including the Amazon Conservation Team.
Also Available (compostable and wooden styles): iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Note 10, Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
Best Drop Protection: CASETiFY Impact Case
CASETiFY
CASETiFY says it relies on 65% plant-based and recycled materials for manufacturing. That means it takes discarded phone cases, manufacturing plastic scraps and bioplastic to make cell phone cases that revitalize post-consumer waste. The result reduces the company’s carbon footprint by 20%. CASETiFY cases are also military-grade drop-tested, with this eco-friendly cell phone case ensuring 6.6 feet of drop protection.
They aren’t the most eco-friendly iPhone cases, but they are eco-friendlier than traditional plastic cases.
Standout Review: “I like how slim this case is. It seems to be sturdy enough for the average butterfinger user (me). It'll probably withstand a tumble. The phone touchscreen is not protected, so you'll need to add that to your phone.” — Kevin L. Mcglothlin via Amazon
Why Buy: The case upcycles post-consumer waste and offers 6.6 feet of drop protection. Kevin, the reviewer, also points out that the case is compatible with MagSafe chargers if you lay it flat.
Also Available: iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro Max
How to Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Cell Phone Cases
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best eco-friendly cell phone cases:
- Cost: Is the cell phone case affordable for its eco-conscious value?
- Cause: Does your purchase give back to any cause aside from reducing waste based on the materials it’s made from?
- Sustainability: Is the cell phone case made from recycled, environmentally friendly or compostable materials? What about packaging?
- Durability: Will the case protect your phone? How long will it last?
- Charging: Do you need to be able to use a wireless charger?
- Style: Do you like it?
Frequently Asked Questions: Eco-Friendly Cell Phone Cases
Does buying an eco-friendly cell phone case actually help the environment?
Yes. Electronic waste makes up 70% of overall toxic waste, according to The World Counts, and only 12.5% of e-waste gets recycled. Not many people think about tech accessories, such as plastic cell phone cases, which they replace more often than cell phones.
Again, many manufacturers design eco-friendly cell phone cases to decompose within one to two years.
Are biodegradable phone cases protective?
Many manufacturers conduct tests to ensure drop protection of at least five feet. Some brands use ocean-based plastic to repurpose post-consumer waste, making the materials used just as strong. Other materials can include sustainably harvested cork, bamboo or wood, and these materials are good for shock absorption.
Can eco-friendly cell phone cases be stylish?
Yes, many of the natural and sustainable materials used to manufacture eco-friendly cell phone cases offer dynamic options for design without harm to the environment. Plant-based inks and paints can be used for decorating. University of Cambridge researchers even recently invented biodegradable glitter made from cellulose we can use in place of glitter made of microplastics.
In a recent press release, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General referred to the culture of disposal as a “tsunami of e-waste” and called for protections for children especially as digital dumpsites amass tech pollution.Best Eco-Friendly Cell Phone Cases: Our Recommendations
- Best Overall: LifeProof Wake
- Best Compostable Case: Pela Case
- Best Wooden Case: Loam & Lore
- Best Drop Protection: CASETiFY Impact Case
Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. Learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.
Why Switch to an Eco-Friendly Cell Phone Case?
The most popular cases for cell phones are made from a plastic called polycarbonate, which is often used in bulletproof windows because of its hardness. However, BPA is used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate polymers, according to the American Chemistry Council. Exposure to BPA can have negative health effects on the brains of children and issues like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults.
Many eco-friendly cases are designed to be fully biodegradable and compostable within two years, according to various manufacturers. Meanwhile, plastic phone cases (and other plastics) can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Switching to a sustainable phone case can help you cut down on your plastic pollution and
Full Reviews of Our Top Picks
The products listed below are recommended for the iPhone 13 Pro (except the Loam & Lore cover, which is for the iPhone 13). Case availability for Androids and other iPhone models are listed and linked below each product description.
Best Overall: LifeProof Wake Series
LifeProof
This Wake Series cell phone case by LifeProof is made from at least 85% recycled ocean plastic. A dollar from each purchase goes to one of its ocean-conscious nonprofit partners like Coral Reef Alliance or Oceana.
This cell phone case has drop protection from about 6.5 feet and is wireless charging compatible. Screen protectors are sold separately. The design is lightweight so the case fits easily into your pocket, but some buyers think it’s a bit slippery. The case features a unique wave pattern on the back and comes in solid colors. The purchase includes a one-year limited warranty.
Standout Review: “Awesome phone case, great style that fits in your hand perfectly, and for a great cause, too!” — Mitch via Amazon
Why Buy: LifeProof takes ocean-based plastic and makes the most of it, then turns around and donates more money from your purchase to ocean conservation nonprofits. Its cell phone case also hits the right points on durability, sleek design and warranty protection.
Also Available: iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S21, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Best Compostable Case: Pela Case
Pela
When Pela phone cases hit the market, they claimed to be “the world's first 100% compostable, eco-friendly phone case,” and while that’s a high bar to clear, the cases really do live up to the hype. Pela cases are made from compostable bioplastics, which are the most sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic (when composted correctly).
Pela donates 5% of sales to charities that improve ocean health, including Save the Waves, Surfrider Foundation and Oceana, and the company is also a member of 1% for the Planet. The company makes Android and iPhone cases with matte finishes as well as clear cases with protective, drop-proof edges.
Standout Review: “Was hesitant to buy this because I drop phones frequently, and it hasn't been drop tested. I gave it a shot because I like the company's ideals. Within 3 days of getting a new [phone], I dropped it from 4 feet onto asphalt screen-first. Not only is the phone perfectly fine, the case isn't even scratched.” — Thomas via Amazon
Why Buy: Pela’s mission is one we can get behind. With certified compostable phone cases that come in a variety of designs, you can stop plastic from entering the environment or clogging a landfill in the first place.
Also Available: iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S10
Best Wooden Case: Loam & Lore
Loam & Lore
Made of wood and lined with biodegradable materials like wheat straw, this is one of the best eco-friendly cell phone cases if you like a natural look. This sustainable smartphone case offers drop protection from five feet and is wireless charging compatible, according to the UK-based brand. If wood phone cases are your preference, you may consider a new case from Loam & Lore.
Standout Review: “I love that it is made from recycled materials, the color is awesome and it's affordable. The protection is 360 and provides enough lip to protect the screen when dropped.” — Alex via Amazon
Why Buy: This eco-friendly cell phone case is affordable, stylish and reduces your environmental impact. For every wooden case purchased, the company plants one tree, and it also donates 5% of profits to charities including the Amazon Conservation Team.
Also Available (compostable and wooden styles): iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro Max, Samsung Note 10, Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
Best Drop Protection: CASETiFY Impact Case
CASETiFY
CASETiFY says it relies on 65% plant-based and recycled materials for manufacturing. That means it takes discarded phone cases, manufacturing plastic scraps and bioplastic to make cell phone cases that revitalize post-consumer waste. The result reduces the company’s carbon footprint by 20%. CASETiFY cases are also military-grade drop-tested, with this eco-friendly cell phone case ensuring 6.6 feet of drop protection.
They aren’t the most eco-friendly iPhone cases, but they are eco-friendlier than traditional plastic cases.
Standout Review: “I like how slim this case is. It seems to be sturdy enough for the average butterfinger user (me). It'll probably withstand a tumble. The phone touchscreen is not protected, so you'll need to add that to your phone.” — Kevin L. Mcglothlin via Amazon
Why Buy: The case upcycles post-consumer waste and offers 6.6 feet of drop protection. Kevin, the reviewer, also points out that the case is compatible with MagSafe chargers if you lay it flat.
Also Available: iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro Max
How to Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Cell Phone Cases
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best eco-friendly cell phone cases:
- Cost: Is the cell phone case affordable for its eco-conscious value?
- Cause: Does your purchase give back to any cause aside from reducing waste based on the materials it’s made from?
- Sustainability: Is the cell phone case made from recycled, environmentally friendly or compostable materials? What about packaging?
- Durability: Will the case protect your phone? How long will it last?
- Charging: Do you need to be able to use a wireless charger?
- Style: Do you like it?
Frequently Asked Questions: Eco-Friendly Cell Phone Cases
Does buying an eco-friendly cell phone case actually help the environment?
Yes. Electronic waste makes up 70% of overall toxic waste, according to The World Counts, and only 12.5% of e-waste gets recycled. Not many people think about tech accessories, such as plastic cell phone cases, which they replace more often than cell phones.
Again, many manufacturers design eco-friendly cell phone cases to decompose within one to two years.
Are biodegradable phone cases protective?
Many manufacturers conduct tests to ensure drop protection of at least five feet. Some brands use ocean-based plastic to repurpose post-consumer waste, making the materials used just as strong. Other materials can include sustainably harvested cork, bamboo or wood, and these materials are good for shock absorption.
Can eco-friendly cell phone cases be stylish?
Yes, many of the natural and sustainable materials used to manufacture eco-friendly cell phone cases offer dynamic options for design without harm to the environment. Plant-based inks and paints can be used for decorating. University of Cambridge researchers even recently invented biodegradable glitter made from cellulose we can use in place of glitter made of microplastics.
In a recent press release, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General referred to the culture of disposal as a “tsunami of e-waste” and called for protections for children especially as digital dumpsites amass tech pollution.“Introductions to safe, intact wild landscapes are vital for the future of vulnerable species like white rhino, which are under considerable human-induced pressures,” African Parks’ CEO Peter Fearnhead said in the announcement.
White rhinos are considered a near threatened species by the IUCN Red List. There are currently 10,080 mature individuals in the wild, and their population is decreasing, primarily due to poaching for the illegal trade in rhino horns.
Preparing to load rhino crates onto aircraft in South Africa. Martin Meyer / African Parks
The historic move relocated the animals from Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa to Akagera National Park in Rwanda. The animals, 19 females and 11 males, were first driven to Durban, then flown to Kigali and finally driven again to Akagara, The Guardian reported. The journey took six months to organize and 40 hours to complete. The rhinos were partially sedated for the flight.
“The rhinos weren’t sedated on the plane in the sense they were totally lying down, as that’s bad for their sternums,” African Parks’ Jes Gruner told The Guardian. “But they were partly drugged, so they could still stand up and keep their bodily functions normal, but enough to keep them calm and stable.”
The goal of the move is to expand white rhino’s African range to give them extra protection. The animals have never before lived in Rwanda.
White rhinos introduced to Akagera in Rwanda. Gael Vande Weghe / African Parks
“It’s absolutely vital to get white rhinos spread across the continent, where they have safe habitats, and not necessarily only where they used to be,” Gruner said. “We need to spread the risk. If some countries can’t get hold of the illegal wildlife trade, white rhinos and rhinos in general might be pushed to the brink of extinction. We have to do everything we can to address their safety.”
Around 95 percent of the rhino horn currently moving from Africa to Southeast Asia comes from poaching, according to IUCN. The horn has traditionally been used both in Chinese medicine and for ornamental purposes. Historically, poaching has not impacted white rhino populations overall, until they decreased by 15 percent between 2012 and 2015.
If the translocated rhinos enjoy their new home in Rwanda, it is possible that more will join them in this safe haven. The park could easily accommodate 500 to 1,000, Gruner told The Guardian. This is something that Rwanda is happy to facilitate.
White rhino in Phinda Private Game Reserve. Martin Meyer / African Parks
“This is an opportunity for Rwanda to substantially advance its contribution to rhino conservation, with Akagera poised to become a globally important sanctuary for black and now white rhinoceros,” Rwanda Development Board Acting Chief Tourism Officer Ariella Kageruka said in the announcement. “This is timely for the conservation of these incredibly threatened species. We’re extremely proud of our conservation partnerships and our national parks, which are playing a pivotal role in meeting biodiversity targets and in driving sustainable, transformative, equitable socio-economic growth.”
- Scientists Fertilize Eggs From Last Northern White Rhinos - EcoWatch ›
- One of the Last Two Surviving Northern White Rhinos Is Being ... ›
Homeowners typically look for the best solar panels, but an increasingly important part of installing home energy systems is finding the best solar batteries. After all, what good are solar panels if they only produce when the sun is out and you can’t store any of the extra power to be used at night or when the sun isn’t shining?
Energy storage has long been one of the most prevalent challenges to the large-scale feasibility of solar power, but thanks to advances in solar panel battery bank technology, there are plenty of batteries on the market today that can allow homeowners to take full advantage of their solar production.
In this article, we’ll discuss our five favorite batteries for solar panels in 2022. We’ll also talk about how energy storage works and why it will be paramount in solar installations for decades to come.
5 Best Solar Batteries
- Best Overall: Tesla Powerwall 2
- Most Intelligent: Enphase Encharge
- Most Powerful: Generac PWRcell
- Best Value: LG Chem RESU-10H
- Most Versatile: BYD Battery-Box Premium HV
Importance of a Solar Panel Battery Bank
Before getting into the best solar batteries, let’s clarify why energy storage is so important.
How Solar Energy Works
When you make the decision to go solar, you’ll have an array of solar panels installed on your roof. If you don’t know how solar panels work, they collect energy from the sun and convert it into an electric current. This direct current (DC) electricity then passes through an inverter which turns it into an alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity we use in our homes.
Most home solar panel systems are connected to local power grid systems, which means that any excess energy produced by your solar energy system is fed back to the grid. If your utility company has a net metering program, you can receive credits for this excess energy. By contrast, if your solar system does not produce enough energy to power your home at any point, you’ll draw energy from the grid.
Using a Solar Battery Bank
So, where do batteries come into play? A solar battery bank will store energy that’s produced by your system rather than sending it back to the grid, allowing you to use it later. Then, when your unit is not producing any energy (for instance, after dark or on cloudy days), you can tap into those energy reserves in your solar battery bank.
The economics of a solar battery makes perfect sense; the more solar energy stored, the less energy you’ll have to purchase from your utility company. In recent years, however, people have started to realize the importance of solar batteries as backup power during a prolonged power outage. With growing instances of extreme weather exposing the vulnerabilities of our infrastructure, backup batteries and solar panels are becoming a mainstay for those in outage-prone areas like the Southeast and West Coast.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at our recommendations for solar batteries, but if you’re interested in seeing how much a full solar system would cost for your home — battery included — right away, you can use this tool or fill out the form below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a certified installer near you.
Full Reviews of Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Tesla Powerwall 2
Tesla
Tesla isn’t just an automotive company; it also produces some of the best-reviewed, most technologically sophisticated solar products on the market today. The Tesla Powerwall 2 sets the standard for the best solar batteries, and there are several reasons why.
What We Like:
- While it’s on the pricier end (over $10,000), it offers a usable capacity of 13.5 kWh, making it one of the most robust solar batteries you’ll find anywhere. As such, we think you’ll have a hard time finding a better bang for your buck.
- This is a full AC lithium-ion battery system, which means it has an inverter/converter already built in.
- The AC system means it can be very easily retrofitted to any house with an existing solar panel installation.
- Its compact design allows for some of the highest energy density on the market and many solar battery storage options for homeowners.
What We Don’t Like:
- The Powerwall 2 is one of the only batteries on this list that is not modular, meaning, there is only one size available. The only way to get a larger capacity is to purchase multiple Powerwalls.
Most Intelligent: Enphase Encharge
Enphase
A leader in solar manufacturing, specifically microinverters, Enphase Energy unveiled its solar battery backup system, the Enphase Encharge, in 2019. The Encharge 10 acts as an all-in-one smart energy hub for your entire home energy system, not just your solar panels. A modular battery system, the Encharge is available in increments of 3.5 kW, with the Encharge 10 being the most common option.
What We Like:
- The Encharge system features the Enpower™ smart switch, which automatically toggles between solar, grid, battery or generator power depending on the needs of the home.
- Enabling the direct integration of generators for additional off-grid power makes the Encharge one of the most versatile batteries available on the market.
- If you’re using your battery as backup power for an outage, the Enphase is one of few batteries that can automatically detect a grid outage and switch your home into off-grid mode. For context, the Tesla Powerwall requires a manual switch.
What We Don’t Like:
- The Encharge 10 typically costs around the same amount as a Tesla Powerwall, but with less capacity and a lower power rating.
Most Powerful: Generac PWRcell
Generac
When it comes to sheer power, look no further than Generac. Generac specializes in generators and backup power, so it’s no surprise the company focuses on a product capable of providing the most backup power relative to its competitors.
What We Like:
- The PWRcell offers the highest capacity and power rating of any of the batteries on this list.
- The Generac PWRcell features a modular design that allows you to expand your storage capacity as your power needs evolve. This flexibility allows you to start out with a 9kWh solar + battery storage system and expand in increments of 3kWh up to 36kWh.
- Smart Management Modules (SMMs) automatically manage power distribution during an outage, ensuring critical loads maintain power.
What We Don’t Like:
- Though the most powerful, the PWRcell is also one of the more expensive batteries on our list.
Best Value: LG Chem RESU-10H
LG
The LG Chem RESU-10H lithium-ion battery was developed in South Korea and now stands as one of the most popular solar batteries in the world. The LG Chem is the battery of choice for many major solar companies, including Sunrun and Vivint.
What We Like:
- It’s sized at 9.8 kWh with 90% usable capacity, making it a real powerhouse.
- The battery cells are layered in a unique pattern that helps prevent failure and maximize long-term reliability.
- Independent testing and consumer reviews routinely tout this as a very consistent, high-quality solar battery.
- It has a 10-year warranty and claims to have a battery life of 4,000 cycles.
What We Don’t Like:
- LG’s warranty only offers a 60% energy retention guarantee over the lifetime of the battery, which is a step down from some of its competitors (Tesla and Enphase offer 70%).
Most Versatile: BYD Battery-Box Premium HV
BYD
BYD is a Chinese solar company, and its premium battery is one of the best we've seen for solar power storage, specifically larger-scale residential or commercial solar applications. BYD batteries are known for their high power and flexibility.
What We Like:
- This modular tower battery is available at a number of different voltage levels so that you can choose the option best suited for your home or business’ energy needs.
- It's a cobalt-free lithium iron phosphate battery, which performs well at high temperatures and has a longer cycle life than other lithium-ion batteries.
- Battery modules can be stacked in order to increase the total capacity that's available to you.
- The BYD battery comes with a 10-year warranty and claims to be good for around 3,000 total cycles.
- BYD batteries have some of the best continuous power ratings, meaning despite their capacity, they can provide a great deal of power.
What We Don’t Like:
- BYD batteries are more powerful than some smaller residences require and will only be suitable for larger home or commercial-scale energy storage needs.
Comparing the Best Solar Batteries
Tesla Powerwall 2 | Enphase Encharge | Generac PWRcell | LG Chem RESU 10H | BYD Battery-Box HV | |
Battery Capacity | 13.5 kW | 3.4-10.5 kW | 9-18 kW | 9.3 kW | 5.1-12.8 kW |
Continuous Power Rating | 5.8 kW | 3.84 kW | 3.4-6.7 kW | 5 kW | 5.1-12.8 kW |
Depth of Discharge (DoD) | 100% | 100% | 84% | 95% | 100% |
Round-Trip Efficiency | 90% | 96% | 96.5% | 94.5% | 95% |
Price | $10,000+ | $5,000- $10,000+ | $9,000+ | $7,000 | $4,000+ |
Choosing the Best Solar Battery Bank for Your Home
As you consider investing in your own solar system, you’ll have a few types of solar panels and backup batteries to choose from. Here are a few key things to look for when seeking the best solar batteries for your home.
Battery Capacity
Capacity refers to the total amount of electricity you can store in your battery. It’s typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Note that most solar batteries are modular (or stackable), which just means that, by combining multiple batteries, you can pool their collective storage capacity so that you can store a higher amount of energy.
Power Rating
In addition to a battery’s capacity, you’ll also want to take a look at its power rating. This tells you how much electricity the battery can provide at any given moment, and it’s typically measured in terms of kilowatts (kW). We should note the difference between peak power rating and continuous power rating:
- Peak power refers to the maximum amount of power that can be provided at any one time
- Continuous power refers to the power that the battery can provide over a duration of time. We find the continuous power rating to be the more important figure.
So, how do power and capacity relate? Consider, for instance, a battery with a high capacity but a low power rating. This battery would be able to provide a small amount of electrical power (say, enough for a couple of small appliances) over a long period of time. A low capacity but high-power battery could produce enough electricity for much more robust appliances, but would only be able to power them for a short span of time.
Depth of Discharge
Another important consideration is depth of discharge (DoD). This refers to the level of charge the battery must maintain at all times, as dictated by its chemical composition. The rule of thumb here is that a higher DoD means you’ll be able to utilize more of the energy storage system’s total capacity.
Round-Trip Efficiency
A battery’s round-trip efficiency measures the efficiency of the battery bank, or the amount of energy fed into the battery that can then be used. According to the U.S. Energy Information Association, the industry average round-trip efficiency of solar batteries sits around 80%, meaning that 20% of the energy fed to your battery by your solar panels is lost in the process. The higher the round-trip efficiency, the better the battery. None of the batteries on our list above have a round-trip efficiency of less than 90%.
Price and Warranty
Naturally, any time you’re investing in solar equipment, price point is going to be a big concern. Although you may not want to spend much on top of the cost of solar panels, keep in mind that what you’re really after is value. Different batteries have different costs associated with them, and paying less money for a less powerful battery may not be the most cost-effective option in the long run.
Closely related to price is warranty. Most batteries for solar panels will guarantee either a certain number of cycles or a set number of years. Warranty is something to weigh against price point, as it can have a major impact on overall value.
Types of Batteries for Solar Panels
As you may have noticed, there are a variety of different types of batteries for solar panels. In this context, type refers mostly to the chemical composition of the battery. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type, but you may also hear about lead-acid batteries, AGM batteries, gel batteries, deep cycle batteries and more.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
The most commonly used batteries for solar panels today are lithium-ion. Advanced lithium-ion technology was developed for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, but the solar industry soon realized the potential it held for home energy storage. Lithium-ion batteries are appealing due to their density, high DoD and long lifespan.
All of the best solar batteries on our list use some form of lithium-ion technology. We should note that lithium iron phosphate batteries are a type of lithium-ion technology.
Lead-Acid Batteries
Lead-acid batteries are what you most likely associate with a common rechargeable battery. This technology has been in use for hundreds of years. Lead-acid batteries offer less than their lithium-ion counterparts due to their low density, shorter lifespan and slow charging. AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries, flooded lead-acid batteries and deep cycle batteries are all types of lead-acid batteries.
Flow Batteries
Flow batteries are an exciting emerging technology that could one day rival lithium-ion batteries. When supplied with energy from solar panels, an electrolyte liquid undergoes a chemical reaction, creating a flow of energy between two separate chambers within the battery. Flow batteries are appealing due to their 100% DoD, relative simplicity and the fact they don’t require as many rare metals.
Flow batteries are currently in development and are still too large for residential applications.
Final Thoughts: Solar Batteries
The bottom line is that to get the most out of your solar system, you’ll need more than just top-of-the-line panels. Having a reliable solar battery can also be crucial. Make sure you explore your options and account for your home’s specific energy needs when choosing the best solar batteries for your system.
If you want to book a professional solar consultation for free, you can do so using this tool or the form below. A consultation with a certified company is a great way to find out what type of battery would work best for your home, how much your solar system would cost and how much you can save by taking advantage of local and federal solar incentives.
FAQ: Best Batteries for Solar Panels
How long do most solar batteries last?
The typical solar battery lasts between five and 15 years. What this means is that you’ll need to replace your battery at least once during the long life of your solar panels, which tend to hold up for 25 to 30 years. Most solar batteries are maintenance-free.
How can I extend the lifespan of my battery?
One way to extend the life of your solar battery is to protect it from extreme temperature drops. This means getting a battery with built-in temperature moderation (the Tesla battery is an excellent example) or ensuring a sheltered enclosure for your solar panel battery bank.
How many solar batteries do I need?
The number of batteries required can vary from home to home, based on the energy needs as well as the capacity of each battery. (Generally, a higher capacity means you’ll need fewer total batteries.) Reach out to a solar installer near you for a more individualized assessment.
How do I install a solar battery?
Many — but not all — of the top solar companies include battery setups with solar panel installation. When you buy solar panels, ask your installer about battery add-ons. If you want to retrofit your current system with new battery technology or if you have a DIY solar panel system, you can hire a separate company to install batteries or look up your specific solar system to figure out how to do it yourself.
Karsten Neumeister is a writer and renewable energy specialist with a background in writing and the humanities. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the energy sector of New Orleans, focusing on renewable energy policy and technology. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace.
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The startling message from members of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, which published their results in the journal Current Biology, means that sharks and their relatives are much worse off than previously understood. The last global assessment of shark species, published in 2014, found 24% of species at risk.
The more complete — and more worrying — picture of the extinction risk for these species provides critical information for conservationists, scientists and policymakers, as well as the people who live and work near shark populations.
But getting there, especially during a pandemic, posed more than a few challenges.
Diverse Species and Diverse Threats Require Diverse Experts
Gathering the data needed to assess — and reassess — nearly 1,200 species required a staggering amount of work, involving 353 experts from more than 70 countries who met during 17 different week-long regional workshops stretching out over more than five years.
Before the pandemic hit, the core team racked up a ton of frequent flier miles. “We had to submit over 340 travel expense reimbursement claims,” says Nick Dulvy, a professor at Simon Fraser University and the lead author of new shark assessment.
An endangered Caribbean reef shark. Brian Gratwicke / CC BY 2.0
Many workshops took place at academic institutions or hotel meeting rooms. One was held in the atrium of an aquarium — which seemed like a fun idea until school groups full of excited (and loud) children arrived.
After Covid-19 travel restrictions arrived, the process shifted online. That required everyone to work odd hours to accommodate job and home schedules for colleagues in all sorts of time zones.
The effort involved intense research: More than 20,000 cited sources informed the assessment.
But it wasn’t just science that made the work possible; organizers and participants also credit the model, which prioritized respect, diversity and inclusion, cooperation and trust.
Regional workshop organizers made sure to invite and include local experts, including at least one from each country being discussed. For example, 2017’s Arabian Seas and Adjacent Waters workshop included representatives from Somalia, Oman, India, the Maldives Sudan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Iran and the UAE.
“Being able to understand what’s happening on the ground is important,” says Rima Jabado, lead scientist for the Gulf Elasmo Project and chair of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group. “A room full of Westerners can’t effectively talk about conservation problems in a country they’ve never been to, and conservation challenges can be difficult to interpret if you don’t know the local context. We made the choice to go to these countries, bringing people together, which was great not just for analyzing all this data, but for forming new collaborations and relationships.”
Ensuring gender equality of participants was also a priority for organizers, as was inviting a range of professionals.
“We don’t just invite academics, but also representatives from environmental nonprofits and government fisheries agencies,” says Dulvy. “We might have been able to get some of the information we needed via email, but we need to know what sharks are caught by what gear types where. People with real-time recent experience with the local system are much more helpful.”
A sand tiger shark. Greg McFall / NOAA
The inclusive model used serves in stark contrast to the problematic practice of “parachute science” or “colonial science,” in which researchers from wealthy countries visit field sites in the global south to collect data but don’t work with or help local experts.
That commitment to inclusivity garnered praise from outside experts.
“Building mutually respectful, equal partnerships that are beneficial to the location in question is absolutely key here,” says Asha de Vos, founder and executive director of the Sri Lanka-based conservation organization Oceanswell, who was not a part of this study. “If we’re making decisions about our common heritage, we need to be inclusive when moving those decisions. We need everyone at the table, and we need to empower the people on the ground.”
Prepping the People and Information
Getting the people together was one thing. Gathering, condensing and analyzing the data was another.
It started with a core team of Shark Specialist Group experts who attended multiple workshops and compiled all the data from the 1,199 species assessments. The core team served as authors of the summary paper, while many of the invited local experts became coauthors on the individual species assessments. Since these local experts came from a variety of fields with a variety of areas of expertise, everyone needed to complete IUCN Red List training in advance to understand how their data fit into the IUCN assessment scheme. Red List categories are complex, quantitative, and use very technical language, so it was important to make sure that everyone was using the same definitions of terms before, for example, deciding if the data showed that a species was critically endangered.
A scalloped hammerhead shark. Kris-Mikael Krister / CC BY 2.0
The training also emphasized the need to come up with scientifically rigorous results.
“You need to come in here in an objective way and look at the data and be honest about what’s happening and not happening,” Jabado says. “The IUCN is very science-based, and we can’t assign a status to species [just] because it will give us funding or be a problem for managers.”
Once everyone was on the same page, the real work began. Prior to the workshops, participants prepared background briefings on local conditions and key species, along with summaries of new and relevant scientific literature for everyone to read. Determining the Red List status for each species required data on their distribution, their overlap with threats, their reproductive biology and, whenever possible, their population trends. (A common misconception is that a Red List assessment of “data deficient” means that scientists know nothing about the species and any random bit of new knowledge is helpful for their conservation, but really it only means we don’t have data on population trends over time.)
While the actual deliberations of Red List workshops are confidential, organizers told me that in general these workshops were where the data crunching and any associated discussions or deliberations occurred. And these discussions are where local expertise is critical — a Western scientist half a world away can read a spreadsheet emailed from Indonesia, but sometimes local experience provides key context and greater understanding. Local experts may also be aware of important data sources others may not have, such as fishing records or scientific papers published in non-English journals.
It’s also during these meetings that teams of experts get to know each other, sometimes resulting in long-term regional or global collaborations. Organizers told me that several research collaborations around the world began as conversations during coffee breaks at Red List workshops, a clear emergent benefit of this model.
After the workshops, when people went home (or logged off Zoom), the writeups for each species were finalized. When all assessments and reassessments were complete — for example, the new assessment that recategorized Caribbean reef sharks from “near-threatened” to “endangered” — the team began to write the summary paper.
That’s when they found the staggering and sad results that made headlines.
The Result: An Index of Loss and Hope
Each shark and related species, except for the handful of species discovered since 2014, received updated IUCN Red List conservation assessments as part of the process.
That helps determine conservation priorities for individual species, but the bigger picture of risk to entire categories of species — such as mammals, amphibians or corals — emerges from what’s known as a “Red List Index,” which shows how Red List assessments have changed over time. The summary paper determined a Red List Index for sharks for the first time and showed their collective decline on a par with other threatened species groups.
“Putting sharks on the Red List Index puts them in front of the eyes of policymakers,” says Dulvy.
He says this is particularly important, because previous Red List Indexes didn’t include any marine vertebrates.
Because of that, the existing indexes also didn’t document one of the major dangers facing species around the world. “What was missing from this picture was an indicator showing the biggest threat to the oceans: overfishing,” he says.
For sharks, overfishing poses a threat to 100% of at-risk species, and the sole threat to 67% of them. The rest face threats from overfishing combined with habitat loss, climate change and pollution.
Sharks in a Yemen fish market. Rod Waddington / CC BY-SA 2.0
All told, the new assessment identified population declines for multiple shark species — mostly due to overfishing — as well as three probable extinctions of species that haven’t been observed in more than 80 years.
That weighed heavily on the participants.
“Any one person might work on one species, and you know what’s happening and you think it’s bad, but you think maybe it’s just me,” Jabado says. “But when you sit in a room and hear the same story for so many other species, it’s depressing.”
While this global perspective of the impacts of overfishing on marine life is scary, at the same time, she adds, the process created some sense of hope.
“We can’t make progress unless we’re working together,” she says. “Conservation can be very depressing, but being in a room full of passionate, dedicated people is inspiring.”
Author’s note: Shiffman is a former postdoctoral research fellow in the Dulvy lab at Simon Fraser University and a current senior research advisor to the IUCN Red List’s Tuna and Billfish Specialist Group. He has never worked directly on IUCN Red List Shark Specialist Group research projects.
Reposted with permission from The Revelator.
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When you think of New York, it's doubtful you'd picture solar panels lining the tops of urban buildings, but the Empire State is actually a top state for solar energy in the U.S. If you're thinking about going solar, the best first step to make is to find the best solar companies in New York and compare quotes.
It may surprise you to learn that the state of New York actually has more solar companies than Texas, the number two state for solar. Progressive leadership has laid the foundation for a market very encouraging of solar's growth, and a large number of top solar companies are looking to capitalize on it.
For most home or business owners considering solar power, the choice of which company to choose often comes down to costs. To start getting quotes from the best solar companies in New York, you can use this tool or fill out the form below.
Our Picks for Top New York Solar Installers
- SunPower
- SUNation Solar Systems
- EmPower Solar
- Tesla
- Kasselman Solar
- Momentum Solar
- Harvest Power Solar
- Brooklyn SolarWorks
- SunCommon
- Plug PV
Comparing the 10 Best Solar Companies in New York
SunPower
SunPower
Service Area: State of New York
What We Like: SunPower has been a leading top solar company since 1985, manufacturing, selling and installing its own modules, which routinely rank as the industry's most efficient solar panels. SunPower provides national coverage, some of the highest-quality all-in-one solar systems and the best warranty in the business.
What We Don't Like: SunPower is able to service the entire nation through partnerships with local certified dealers throughout the nation. SunPower still maintains a standard of excellence, but your experience can be dependent on which dealer you live nearest.
What Customers Are Saying: "After doing my research and getting bids from four different companies, SunPower won hands down for us in meeting our overall needs. [Our consultant] was a real pleasure to work with… I'd recommend SunPower as the solar company of choice to anyone." — KG via Better Business Bureau (BBB)
SunPower at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 1985
- Services Provided: Solar panels, backup batteries, electric vehicle chargers
- Warranty: All-in-one 25-year warranty
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan, solar lease/PPA
- Learn More: SunPower Review
SUNation Solar Systems
SUNation Solar
Service Area: Suffolk County, Nassau County, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island
What We Like: SUNation Solar systems is a local leader trusted by over 7,000 homeowners in New York and has been voted the "Best Solar Business of Long Island" for 12 years running. Certified to install products from Tesla, Panasonic, LG and Solaria, SUNation delivers high-quality solar solutions with a local approach.
What We Don't Like: Though SUNation's local approach is what allows for such a personalized and smooth experience, its service area is smaller than some of its competitors.
What Customers Are Saying: "Very positive experience working with SUNation. From the sales process to the various logistical efforts (local permissions, array layout, frequent communication, installation), it was really a first-class effort. Really excited to be joining the 21st century thanks to SUNation!" — Daniel via BBB
SUNation at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 2003
- Services Provided: Solar panels, community solar, EV chargers, electrical upgrades, maintenance and backup batteries
- Warranty: 25-year workmanship warranty
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan
EmPower Solar
Service Area: Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx and Staten Island
What We Like: With a vision of creating a new energy paradigm powered by clean, renewable power, EmPower Solar strives to provide its customers with the latest solar technology and the highest quality workmanship. EmPower Solar works in both residential and commercial solar markets installing eco-friendly energy solutions throughout greater NYC. EmPower is a certified dealer of SunPower solar panels, which are some of the best solar panels in the business.
What We Don't Like: We'd like to see EmPower Solar emphasize energy efficiency and electrical system upgrades in their services to accompany solar and storage. It was also difficult to find information on EmPower's solar financing options.
What Customers Are Saying: "EmPower installed our solar system in May 2018. After the site inspection and design were all completed and the contract signed, the installation was completed in one day. It has performed flawlessly since that time and delivered 107% of our energy usage! We couldn't be more pleased." — Michael via Google Reviews
EmPower Solar at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 2003
- Services Provided: Solar panels, community solar, EV chargers and backup batteries
- Warranty: SunPower 25-year warranty
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan
Tesla
Tesla
Service Area: State of New York; solar facility in Buffalo
What We Like: Known primarily for its electric cars, Tesla is also one of the top national solar companies. Tesla provides premium, designer solar technology meant to fit in seamlessly with a house's roof. Though not a solar installer like the other names on this list, Tesla will match you with a solar technician near you that is certified to install its products.
What We Don't Like: Tesla is much better known for its technology than its customer service, and it shows in a few negative reviews.
What Customers Are Saying: "From beginning to end, the process went perfectly. I liked that all the documents could be signed online. No back-and-forth paperwork. They showed up on time on the day of installation. They installed the whole system in one day. My solar has been running now for 4 months without any issues." — Victoria via BBB
Tesla Solar at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 2003
- Services Provided: Solar panels, EV chargers and Tesla Powerwall batteries
- Warranty: 10-year comprehensive warranty
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan
Kasselman Solar
Service Area: State of New York; Based in Menands
What We Like: Kasselman Solar specializes in powerful, affordable and aesthetically attractive solar panel installations. Installing LG and LONGi solar panels, Kasselman provides both quality and performance with a generous warranty and solar panels reaching a power of 445 watts.
What We Don't Like: Kasselman specializes in solar projects, period. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if you need electrical upgrades or other special services, Kasselman may not have as many options.
What Customers Are Saying: "Kasselman Solar is a top-notch organization and a leader in its respective markets. Its ability to navigate challenges with ease and deliver on commitments is unrivaled. For homeowners out there considering Kasselman as a solar provider, this is exactly the type of installer that you want to work with. They are honest and trustworthy, deliver a quality product, and provide a top-notch customer experience." — Victoria via BBB
Kasselman Solar at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 1948 (as Kasselman Electric)
- Services Provided: Solar panels, backup batteries and EV chargers
- Warranty: 25-year full warranty
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan
Momentum Solar
Momentum Solar
Service Area: State of New York
What We Like: One of our top solar companies of 2022, Momentum Solar and its leadership are highly respected in the industry for providing affordable, effective solar energy solutions. Momentum Solar focuses on flexible financing options to appeal to a wide range of customers.
What We Don't Like: Momentum Solar is young and growing quickly, and a few customer experiences have suffered from those growing pains.
What Customers Are Saying: "I appreciated my experience with Momentum Solar. They truly want what is in the best interest of the customer. We are very pleased with our system, which was installed 9 months ago. Our all-electric house now has an electric bill that is practically nothing. Thanks for a great solar system at a fair price" — Nina via Google Reviews
Momentum Solar at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 2009
- Services Provided: Solar panels, backup batteries and EV chargers
- Warranty: 25-year solar panel warranty
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan, solar leases/PPA
Harvest Power Solar
Harvest Power Solar
Service Area: Greater NYC area and Long Island
What We Like: Established in 2008 as a branch of Friendly Construction, Harvest Power has grown into one of the biggest solar providers in New York. With roots in construction and access to cutting-edge solar technology, Harvest Power Solar provides some of the most reliable and high-quality solar installations in the state.
What We Don't Like: A limited service area means most of its installations are tied to Long Island. Harvest Power's warranties are also nothing to write home about.
What Customers Are Saying: "A little over a year ago, [I] went live with a 28-panel solar system. Very happy with the job overall and its power generation. Should pay back in 7 to 10 years. The salesman was very knowledgeable and seemed honest. I've dealt with a lot of salesmen in my business that I wouldn't say that about. The job was completed very cleanly and generally timely." — Robert via Google Reviews
Harvest Power Solar at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 2008
- Services Provided: Solar panels, backup batteries and EV chargers
- Warranty: 25-year solar panel warranty
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan
Brooklyn SolarWorks
Service Area: Greater NYC area
What We Like: Brooklyn SolarWorks has a simple mission to make solar appealing, easy and available for Brooklyn's urban homeowners. Solar is probably not the first thing you think about when you think of Brooklyn — but Brooklyn SolarWorks has embraced its expertise in making clean energy as practical as possible for the unique needs of urban and suburban solar customers of New York City. It specializes in providing solar for challenging roofs, landmarked homes and the many co-ops and condos of NYC.
What We Don't Like: Let us lead by saying we love that Brooklyn SolarWorks has focused on such hyper-local, specific needs. However, this sets the company up for an easy negative: a very small service area.
What Customers Are Saying: "Brooklyn SolarWorks installed our solar system in 2019. The entire process from permitting through installation was easy and painless. I cannot emphasize enough the value and comfort of using a local Brooklyn-based company. I can honestly say it has been one of the best things we have ever done, and the savings are very impressive." — Mike via Google Reviews
Brooklyn SolarWorks at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 2015
- Services Provided: Solar panels, electrical work
- Warranty: 30-year complete system warranty (we also love this!)
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loan
SunCommon
SunCommon
Service Area: Albany, Rensselaer, Greene, Columbia, Ulster, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam and Rockland counties
What We Like: SunCommon is built on pillars of community activism, transparency and care for the people and places that surround it. A certified B-Corporation, SunCommon has proven its commitment to responsible business practices, focusing on tenants of people, planet and profit. If keeping money local, investing in shared values and supporting your community is of utmost importance to you, we recommend reaching out to SunCommon.
What We Don't Like: Is it possible to be too committed to activism and education? We'd almost like to see SunCommon focus more on also highlighting its exceptional workmanship in both residential and commercial installations, affordable solar financing and technology.
What Customers Are Saying: "We evaluated a few different solar companies. We chose SunCommon because they have a great reputation. The team was excellent to work with, had the best technology, and financing with a 0.9% interest rate. The install team was friendly and professional, and the install went perfectly… I highly recommend SunCommon. You won't be disappointed." — Jeffrey via Google Reviews
SunCommon at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 2011
- Services Provided: Solar panels, solar canopies, backup batteries and solar farms
- Warranty: 25-year warranty on power, parts and labor; 10-year workmanship warranty
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loans
PlugPV
PlugPV
Service Area: State of New York, based in Albany
What We Like: Built on high-quality workmanship, PlugPV solar is a small but experienced team of world-class solar contractors in the Northeast. PlugPV offers an impressive product portfolio including solar PV, backup solar batteries and EV chargers.
What We Don't Like: PlugPV has only been in business for five years as of 2022. Given the long-term nature of solar investments, it can be wise to choose an established company with a longer history of success.
What Customers Are Saying: "I'm almost 5 months with the system now, and things are running perfectly so far. At this point, I'm a fairly low electricity consumer, and my meter spins in reverse most of the time, generating credits with my utility. Everything went according to our plan, and I'm very happy with the results all around. There has not been a moment of regret working with them, and that's fairly unusual for me." — Adam via Google Reviews
PlugPV at a Glance:
- Year Founded: 2017
- Services Provided: Solar panels, backup batteries and EV chargers
- Warranty: Product-specific warranty
- Financing Options: Cash purchase, solar loans
How We Chose the Best Solar Companies in New York
We researched the product portfolios, solar services, financing options, customer feedback and industry reputations of every major New York solar installer. Using this methodology, we rated and ranked each company to narrow down and rank our picks for the top solar companies in New York.
Choosing the Best Solar Installer for Your Home
Everyone's needs are different when it comes to solar, so what may be the best solar company for your neighbor might not be right for you. Give these factors some thought and place more emphasis on what will meet your home's needs when choosing the best company for your installation:
Services Offered
To start, due to the unique range of needs of home and business owners in New York, a variety of solar installers focus on different services. For instance, Brooklyn SolarWorks focuses more exclusively on downtown roofs, which are typically flat and have needs different than a larger home in Long Island. Think about what makes your home or business unique — and find a company that prioritizes those needs. Other things to consider might be whether you need electrical upgrades, EV chargers or backup power.
Installation Process
Before you sign any paperwork, make sure you're confident in knowing how the installation process will look. How long before the installation day will happen? How many days will it take? What is my utility company's net metering policy? Permitting and interconnection can vary from city to city, so it's best to be sure you're familiar with the process.
Solar Pricing and Financing
Solar energy systems are a great investment — one that takes planning and time to mature. Think about whether you might need special financing options if your budget is tight. Any of the best solar companies in New York should be able to assist you in applying for the federal solar tax credit, but specific financing options and flexibility will vary from provider to provider.
Industry Affiliations
We generally recommend hiring a company that maintains industry credentials, such as membership in the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a B Corp certification or affiliation with other professional associations. Memberships and certifications are a great indicator of the company's professionalism, workmanship, reputation and reliability.
Types of Panels
Some types of solar panels are better than others, and each company will offer a slightly different product portfolio. Small homes in more dense cities will likely need high-efficiency solar panels, while homes with more space might opt for a sleek design. It can't hurt to ask what brands of panels your company has available, and why they might recommend each. Certifications from some of the best solar panel brands like Panasonic, LG or SunPower might also be a good indicator of legitimacy.
Incentives, Rebates and Tax Credits
New York State has a variety of solar incentives that can vary by city, county and utility. Though effective, these incentives can be complex, and finding a solar installer that knows the ins and outs of local policy may provide the best overall value in the long run. It's best to think locally here. Does the company you're looking at have plenty of experience in your community? This will be important.
Warranty
Finally, we recommend finding an installer that offers a good warranty. Solar panels are incredibly tough, but things happen. The best warranties will last 25 years and cover the equipment, workmanship and performance of your installation.
Cost of Solar in New York
As of 2022, our market research and data from top brands show the average cost of solar panels in New York is around $2.95 per watt. This means a 5-kW system would cost around $10,927 after the federal solar tax credit is applied. Keep in mind that a 5-kW system is about the minimum size for most homes.
New York State also offers a variety of solar incentives to help offset the cost of your system. These incentives have spurred the growth of solar in New York to new highs in 2021, pushing to over $7 billion of total investment. Under the right circumstances, New York's solar incentives are capable of offsetting nearly half of the aggregate system installation costs.
New York Solar Incentive | Incentive Description |
NY-Sun Megawatt Block Incentive | This statewide incentive provides direct financial incentives for solar installations on a per-watt basis, meaning the larger your installation, the more financial support you'll receive. |
Solar Energy System Equipment Credit | New York residents are entitled to claim a tax credit equal to 25% of your qualified solar energy system equipment expenditure (limited to $5,000). |
Sales Tax Exemption | New York residents don't have to pay the state's 4% sales tax on qualified solar equipment. |
Net Metering | Standard net metering is available to most New York residents through 2022. Throughout 2022, New York will begin enrolling its solar customers in a net metering alternative aimed at easing utility costs. |
How to Find the Best Solar Installer in New York
Sorting through the large number of New York solar installers can seem challenging, but this actually presents a great opportunity for New York home and business owners. Unlike a number of other states, solar customers are far more likely to find a company that tailors to their local needs.
The large number of solar companies in New York also gives solar customers the opportunity to shop competing offers against each other, sometimes securing thousands of dollars during the process. Remember, these companies are competing for you.
To start getting free quotes from the best solar companies in New York, use this tool or fill out the form below.
Best Solar Companies New York: FAQs
Who is the most reputable solar company in New York?
The most reputable solar company in New York will depend heavily on your individual needs. New York may be the toughest state to answer this question in due to the wide variety of unique needs stemming from metropolitan, suburban and rural areas of the state.
Is solar in New York worth it?
As long as you have the right roof, solar in New York is typically well worth it. Rather than the sunshine being the main factor behind solar's value, in New York, solar incentives are what make the switch worth it. Between the Megawatt Block incentive, federal tax credit and solar energy system equipment credit, New York homeowners can offset nearly 50% of their project costs.
How do I find a reputable solar company in New York?
One of the best ways to find a reputable solar company in New York is to compare free quotes from a number of installers. When comparing these quotes, or getting on-site consultations, you can find the best offer for your needs. Refer to our guide on finding local solar installers near you to learn more about reading and interpreting solar proposals.
Karsten Neumeister is a writer and renewable energy specialist with a background in writing and the humanities. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the energy sector of New Orleans, focusing on renewable energy policy and technology. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace.1. Wrap Boxes With Brown Paper Bags
Newspaper is the old standard, but for those of us who don't receive a physical paper – or who just want to make our gifts a little more personal – recyclable paper bags work great. If you've got a stash of, say, Trader Joe's bags taking over your cabinet, cut them flat and use the non-printed side as a canvas. Decorate with a hand-written message, drawing or stamped design.
2. Reuse Cardboard Shipping Boxes
Using your delivery parcels instead of store-bought gift boxes is one of the easiest eco-friendly gift wrapping swaps you can make. If you're online shopping for presents, many items will come in a perfectly sized box that's ready for wrapping. Just don't forget to recycle or compost all of that cardboard afterward.
3. Upcycle Other Shipping Supplies
Boxes aren't the only thing you can reuse from your online purchases. Throughout the year, save the tissue paper sheets and brown or white packing paper companies often use to ship their products. Then, when the holidays come around, you'll have your eco-friendly gift wrap ready to go. The reflective bubble wrap you may receive in your meal kit delivery service makes for great festive wrapping, too.
4. Make Your Own Stamps
Of course, not all packages come in a box. Padded envelopes are another popular way to ship small items. Before recycling, repurpose bubble-lined mailers into stamps. You can cut out holiday shapes like stars and gingerbread men, or paint individual bubbles different colors to create fun polka-dot patterns. You can even make it extra sustainable by using crushed-up berries for ink.
5. Add Natural Festive Touches
Rather than use a shiny plastic bow, go au naturale with tree branches, cotton buds, cinnamon sticks, small pinecones, rosemary, fallen leaves or whatever else you can sustainably source in your area. The easiest way to gather eco-friendly gift garnishes is to clip sprigs off your own Christmas tree, but you can also pick some off the ground at your neighborhood tree lot or get scraps from local farms.
6. Swap Paper for Fabric Gift Wrap
Make your eco-friendly gift wrapping part of your present by opting for a scarf, shawl, pocket square, or handkerchief over traditional paper. As the above video shows, it takes just seconds to package items using the Furoshiki method of fabric wrapping – and you don't even need to box the item beforehand, which cuts out another piece of holiday waste.
7. Use Biodegradable Paper Tape
A not-so-obvious source of holiday waste is what holds your packaging together: single-use plastic Scotch tape. For eco-friendly gift wrapping, consider using compostable paper tape or washi tape. These biodegradable alternatives are made with wood fibers, pulp or bark and natural adhesives. They come in a multitude of patterns and colors – including plain brown – and you can even find festive rolls coated with sustainable glitter.
8. Ditch the Tape Altogether
You don't have to be an origami pro to learn the art of tape-free gift wrapping. As you can see in the video above, it's pretty simple to fold your wrapping paper into itself and secure your gift with no tape required. If you do happen to be an origami pro (or if all the holiday cheer has left you optimistically ambitious), there are ways to incorporate fun folds into your wrapping, too.
9. Turn Old Clothes Into Ribbons and Bows
Button-down shirts, flannels, or even T-shirts you no longer need can be upcycled into reusable fabric ribbons and bows. Cut strips as thin or as thick as you'd like, then tie them around your boxes to add some color and texture to your gifts. You can sew around the edges for a more durable ribbon, or leave them frayed for a rustic feel.
10. Tie Gifts Up With Compostable Twine
Don't have any clothing you're willing to part with? You're not totally out of luck. Many thin ropes and twines are made from organic cotton, hemp and other natural fibers that can be reused as eco-friendly gift wrapping year after year or composted after use.
11. Look Through Old Household Items
You probably have many items lying around that can be used as unconventional yet beautiful eco-friendly gift wrapping materials for smaller gifts. The outdated road maps cluttering your glove compartment, books on the shelf you'll never read again, and sheet music collecting dust after your child quit the middle-school band can all be given a second life around the holidays.
12. Gift Items In Recycled or Repurposed Bags
Storing the gift bags you receive and regifting them the next holiday season is one option, but if you don't have any to use this year, you may need to get creative. Making a fabric gift bag from old textiles is pretty simple and adds a personal touch to any present. While your sewing machine is out, you can also make a plush sustainable stocking using old blankets, bathrobes or sweaters.
In a pinch, if you need to purchase a bag, opt for a fabric one with a drawstring (like a wine bag) or a canvas tote bag, as these can be used for many years.
FAQ: Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
Is wrapping paper recyclable?
Some wrapping paper is recyclable, and some is not. If it's metallic, has glitter on it, is textured, or has a waxy coating, it can't be recycled. However, plain, unlaminated wrapping papers are usually able to be recycled. Check with your local waste management agency to see specific guidelines for your area.
Is tissue paper recyclable?
Because most tissue paper is made with low-grade paper, it is not typically recyclable. However, some recycling facilities may accept it, so be sure to check with your local waste management agency. Thankfully, tissue paper tends to hold up well year after year, so it can be reused for many holiday seasons.
How do you wrap a gift?
Wrapping gifts is like riding a bike: once you learn, you'll never forget it – but there may be some ugly moments along the way. Check out the video below to learn the basics of wrapping presents (but make sure you implement our eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas, too).
Melissa Smith is an avid writer, scuba diver, backpacker, and all-around outdoor enthusiast. She graduated from the University of Florida with degrees in journalism and sustainable studies. Before joining EcoWatch, Melissa worked as the managing editor of Scuba Diving magazine and the communications manager of The Ocean Agency, a non-profit that's featured in the Emmy award-winning documentary Chasing Coral.
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