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Top 6 Best Solar Companies in New York [2022 Reviews]
In this guide to New York’s best solar companies, we’ll answer your questions including:
- What are the best solar companies in New York?
- What should you look for in a New York solar company?
- How do you save money on solar panels in New York?
What Are New York’s Top 6 Solar Energy Companies?
Because New York has one of the highest electricity prices in the U.S., many residents have begun switching to renewable solar energy. There are over 640 solar companies in the Empire State.1
It may surprise you to learn New York has more solar companies than Texas, the No. 2 state in the country for solar.2 Progressive leadership has laid the foundation for a market that encourages solar’s growth in New York, and many of the most trusted installers want to capitalize on it.
There may be an abundance of solar installers in your area, but not all of them are created equal. That is why the solar experts at EcoWatch scoured customer reviews and dove deep into the history of New York’s most notable solar companies to help you choose the right installer for your home.
- SunPower: Outstanding National Provider
- SUNation Solar: Solar Veteran
- Trinity Solar: Solar Veteran
- EmPower Solar: Outstanding Local Installer
- Momentum Solar: Best Regional Coverage
- Kasselman Solar: Outstanding Local Installer
Because there are so many solar providers in the state of New York, it can be difficult to find the best solar installer for your home. Instead of spending hours on the internet sifting through countless companies, get free quotes or check out our recommended New York solar installation companies in the drop-downs below.
SunPower
Best National Provider
Pros
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
Cons
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
SunPower has been a leading solar company since 1985 and has more than 1,000 patents for its solar innovations. It manufactures, sells and installs its own modules through sister company Maxeon, all of which routinely rank as the industry’s most efficient solar panels. SunPower provides some of the highest-quality all-in-one solar systems for New York residents and offers one of the best warranties in the business.
Although its panels are among the most expensive on the solar market, they are perfect for New York homes because they can harness the power of the state’s 224 days of annual sunshine. New York experiences slightly more sunny days than the national average, so if you want to offset your expensive energy costs in the Empire State, consider choosing these efficient panels.
SunPower can service New York and the entire country through partnerships with local certified dealers, which means it uses third-party contractors for installation. SunPower still maintains a standard of excellence, but your experience may depend on which dealer you live nearest and the electricians it contracts with.
Facts and Figures: SunPower
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Year Founded |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
| Warranty Coverage |
| 5 |
| A+ |
| 1985 |
| $$$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, System Monitoring |
| SunPower |
| 25-year all-inclusive warranty |
SUNation Solar Systems
Solar Veteran
Pros
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Outstanding customer service
Cons
- Limited service area
- No leases or PPAs
SUNation Solar Systems is a local solar leader trusted by over 7,000 homeowners in New York and has been voted the Best Solar Business of Long Island for 13 years running.2 The company is certified to install products from Tesla, Panasonic and Solaria, and it delivers high-quality solar solutions with local New Yorkers in mind.
SUNation’s customer service team and knowledgeable solar technicians make solar installations as smooth as possible. Because the company has serviced the New York area for more than a dozen years, its technicians know New York homes well and will be able to advise you on the best solar energy system to offset your energy costs.
With an esteemed A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and more than 1,000 positive customer reviews that claim excellent customer service, efficient installations and outstanding after-installation support, New York homeowners can trust SUNation Solar.
Though SUNation’s local approach is what allows for such a personalized and smooth experience for its New York customers, its service area is smaller than some of its competitors. New Yorkers who live outside New York City may need to contact a different solar installer to fulfill their renewable energy needs.
Facts and Figures: SUNation Solar Systems
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| $$$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Maintenance & Repairs, Electrical Work |
Trinity Solar
Solar Veteran
Pros
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
Cons
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Trinity Solar began solar installation in New York in 2014 and has helped more than 77,000 residents switch to solar energy, so it has plenty of experience to share with local homeowners. The company is committed to helping homeowners work toward a greener planet, and it does so through community education and competitive solar panel prices.
With a customer support team of more than 1,900 employees, Trinity Solar is dedicated to its customers and strives to make the solar installation process as seamless as possible. Customers who have purchased a solar panel system from Trinity corroborate the company’s claim of being customer-oriented — many reviews cite excellent communication, knowledgeable technicians and a clear explanation of the installation process.
Trinity Solar is committed to making renewable energy available to as many New York homeowners as possible. It offers zero-money down upfront, excellent solar financing options and solar panel purchase plans. This allows homeowners across socioeconomic statuses to access solar power.
A major limitation of Trinity Solar is reportedly long wait times. But if you plan ahead and know that lead times can be a few months out, this isn’t much of an issue. Some customers have also reported issues with post-installation support.
Facts and Figures: Trinity Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4 |
| A+ |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades |
EmPower Solar
Outstanding Local Installer
Pros
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- Excellent reputation
Cons
- Limited information available on website
- No leases or PPAs
With a vision of creating a new energy paradigm run 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 and has been installing eco-friendly energy solutions throughout greater NYC since 2003.
EmPower is a certified dealer of SunPower solar panels and was named a SunPower dealer of the year in 2018 and 2019. These high-efficiency panels likely contribute to EmPower’s many positive reviews online, and some verified customers claim their panels produce more than 100% of their energy usage.
As a provider of home solar panel systems, commercial solar systems, EV charging and solar backup batteries, this company can help New Yorkers become more energy efficient. EmPower was listed as a Quality Installer by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority in 2019, 2020 and 2022, which shows the company is committed to industry excellence and best practices in solar installation.3
Very few reviews report complaints about EmPower, but a few do reference long wait times and limited communication during the installation process. However, many other reviews claim quick and efficient installation, so your experience may depend on location and other factors.
Facts and Figures: EmPower Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| Not Rated |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Panels, EV Chargers |
Momentum Solar
Best Regional Coverage
Pros
- Great warranty coverage
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Representatives are experts on local policies
Cons
- Slightly limited service offerings
- Only available in 11 states
Momentum Solar is New York’s one-stop-shop for solar system design, blueprint drafts, permits, solar panel installation and solar system monitoring. This company’s goal is to make it as easy as possible for its customers to switch to solar, and it values complete customer satisfaction.
Because it wants to make sure all customers have access to incentives and tax breaks, Momentum Solar is picky about which states it chooses to operate in. This may be a limitation for some homeowners, but Momentum claims this angle is what makes it successful in securing the best deals for its customers.
Unlike some contractors and solar panel companies, Momentum Solar assigns you a point of contact for your project. This local expert will guide you through your solar installation process from day one, making sure you remain fully informed throughout the entire project, benefit from local incentives and know how to monitor your solar system after it’s been installed with Momentum’s solar app.
Negative customer reviews report aggressive sales pitches and an excess of upselling, and others claim poor communication and misinformation. Momentum also does not offer advanced services beyond solar panel and backup battery installation, so if you want other energy-efficient upgrades for your home, you may need to look elsewhere.
We’d like to note that Momentum Solar is currently facing a proposed class action lawsuit that accuses the company and its management of racial discrimination. As of October 2022, no verdict has been reached. EcoWatch has not independently verified the claims mentioned in this lawsuit but you can find out more information here.
Facts and Figures: Momentum Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Year Founded |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
| Warranty Coverage |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| 2009 |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries |
| Q Cells, REC, Trina Solar, Jinko Solar, Canadian Solar and others depending on location |
| 25-year manufacturer and workmanship warranties |
Kasselman Solar
Outstanding Local Installer
Pros
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
Cons
- Expensive
- No leases or PPAs
Kasselman Solar is a trusted New York-based solar company that is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABEP) and was named a 2022 Quality Installer by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.4 With primary company values of trust, transparency and the installation of industry-leading solar products, Kasselman is an excellent choice for New York homeowners.
Because Kasselman Solar is locally based, its technicians are knowledgeable about New York solar incentives and programs. This company helps New Yorkers save money on solar and offers competitive pricing with no hidden dealer fees, so you know you will get the best price on the most efficient solar panels.
Kasselman is described as “nothing short of amazing” by several happy customers, and its customer service team is always ready to answer any questions that current and future customers have. This company’s clear process and quick installations also add to the positive reviews.
Professionalism, solar system design and local knowledge seem to be strengths of Kasselman Solar, but some customers claim misleading information and limited follow-through on solar panel monitoring. Because the company claims to have excellent post-installation customer relations, these claims may deter some potential customers from choosing Kasselman.
Facts and Figures: Kasselman Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4 |
| A+ |
| $$$$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Electrical Work, Generators, EV Chargers |
How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in New York
At about $2.95 per watt, the price to go solar in New York is more than the national average of $2.66 per watt. This means the average New York homeowner will pay between $14,767 to $29,533 before the federal solar tax credit is applied. Solar panels can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways in which homeowners can save money on a new solar system.
New York Solar Incentives and Tax Credits
There are several tax incentives and rebate programs that help offset the cost of solar panel systems. You can talk to your solar installer and utility company to learn more about New York solar incentives, but here’s a quick snapshot:
| Solar Incentives in NY | Description of Solar Incentive Program |
| New York Solar Tax Credit | The state of New York will credit up to 25% or $5,000 of your solar system, whichever is lower. |
| NY-Sun Megawatt Block Incentive | A local rebate program that gives money back for every kilowatt installed. Rates vary. |
| New York Solar Sales Tax Exemption | The state of New York waives state sales tax on solar equipment and installation, which can save homeowners thousands of dollars. |
| New York Net Metering Policies | New York’s net metering program credits excess energy towards future energy bills. |
| Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) | The U.S. solar incentive tax credit will credit homeowners 30% of the total cost of your solar system. |
Choose the Right Solar System Size
Even the best solar panels won’t cover your energy bills if you don’t have a system large enough to generate sufficient energy, but you shouldn’t pay for a system that is too large, either. Instead, make sure you purchase a solar system designed to cover your monthly energy usage.
The average home in New York requires a 6.5-kilowatt solar system to completely offset energy costs.
At that size, a solar system will run about $14,190 after the ITC has been applied, which may be more manageable than a $20,673 10-kilowatt solar system. You can talk to your solar provider to figure out the right solar system size for your home.
New York Community Solar Programs
Because the average cost of electricity in New York is so high, more residents should be able to benefit from solar energy. As a result, several community solar programs have become available in New York. There are community solar projects across the state — from Long Island to upstate New York.5
New York is actually one of the top states — if not the top state, according to Governor Kathy Hochul — for community solar.6 This means you can find a solar project to help save you money on your electric bill without having to pay the high upfront cost of solar panels.
Will Solar Increase Your Home Value in New York?
Solar panels can save you money on your utility bills each month, but not all solar owners know their solar system will also increase the value of their home. Zillow completed a study and found that the average home will see a value increase of 4.1% after solar panel installation.7
Considering that the average home in New York is around $781,622, most homeowners stand to see a value increase of up to $32,046.8
The potential increase in your home’s value could help account for what you pay upfront for your solar panels, which is another reason going solar is a good investment in New York.
Should New York Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer or DIY?
Solar panel installation can be expensive, so if you have considered DIY solar installation to save on costs, you aren’t alone. Although installing your own panels may seem tempting, know it could cost you thousands of dollars down the road. Below, we’ll list the top reasons why you should leave your solar panel installation to the professionals, rather than DIY.
- Ensure solar panel protection with workmanship warranties
- Have a stress-free and efficient installation
- Ensure quality installation of your panels
Get Protection with Workmanship Warranties
All of our top New York solar installers offer some sort of warranty, and many of them give you a workmanship warranty on top of the product and performance warranties provided by the manufacturer. Should your solar panels or roof become damaged during installation, the workmanship warranty will cover the cost to fix it.
If you install your panels yourself, you’ll miss out on essential protection. Without a workmanship warranty, even if you still have the product and performance warranties from your panel’s manufacturer, your coverage may not be honored if the manufacturer claims the damage was due to installation.
Have a Stress-Free and Efficient Installation
Solar panel installation is a large undertaking, and if you are not prepared, it could take days, weeks or even months to get your solar system up and running. Plus, you will need to gather permits, sign paperwork and pass a home inspection before you get permission to operate your panels.
The best solar companies take care of all the paperwork and permits for you. In many cases, it takes professional solar panel companies just one day to install your system.
Ensure Quality Installation
If you want your solar panels to operate at maximum efficiency to offset your high New York energy costs, then the quality of your installation is incredibly important. Solar contractors are specially trained to install solar panels so that both your roof and the panels remain undamaged. This also ensures your panels are securely fastened to your roof and do not come off during a severe storm.
A professional installer will make sure that the following are in order:
- Your solar panel configuration is designed for maximum energy production
- Your solar panels are properly wired to the inverter
- Panels are safely and securely attached to your roof
- Structural integrity of your roof and home remain intact
What Should New York Residents Look For in a Solar Installer?
Everyone’s needs are different when it comes to solar, so what may be the best company for your neighbor might not be right for you. As you review the factors below, emphasize what will meet your home’s energy needs as you consider the best company for your solar installation.
- Services offered
- Installation process
- Solar pricing and financing
- Industry affiliations
- Types of panels
- Warranties
Services Offered
Due to the unique range of needs of home and business owners in New York, a variety of solar installers focus on different services. Most solar installers, such as Momentum Solar, will only offer solar panel installation and battery backup services, but the best companies like Kasselman and Trinity Solar have post-installation monitoring, electric vehicle charging installation, energy efficiency upgrades and more.
Some local installers, such as SUNnation, even have community solar projects in New York that you can opt into by paying a monthly fee. The more services a company offers, the better as homeowners can then work with that company again on future projects.
Installation Process
Before you sign any paperwork, make sure you’re confident in knowing how the installation process will work. Permitting and interconnection can vary from city to city, so it’s best to be sure you and your installer are familiar with the process. Some companies, such as Kasselman Solar, excel at pre- and post-installation communication, while others — such as EmPower — may not have as clear of a process.
Regardless, some questions you may want to ask solar providers as you gather quotes include:
- When can you schedule my solar panel installation?
- How many days will my solar installation take?
- What is my utility company’s net metering policy?
Solar Pricing and Financing
Solar energy systems are a great investment, but 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 top 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.
Price is a major factor for many homeowners, so if the most expensive SunPower Maxeon solar panels are not financially feasible, you can opt for more budget-friendly options from EmPower or Trinity Solar.
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.
Many of the companies on our list have received some sort of award for quality solar installations, and SUNation and Kasselman Solar have both proven to be excellent, award-winning solar installers.
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, Tesla or SunPower might also be a good indicator of legitimacy.
Warranty
Finally, we recommend finding an installer that offers a good warranty. Solar panels are durable pieces of technology, but severe New York weather and heavy snow can damage them. The best warranties will last 25 years and cover the equipment, workmanship and performance of your solar system.
We see some of the best warranties from SunPower, Momentum and Kasselman Solar, but each of the other solar providers on our list does offer a good 25-year warranty.
Methodology: How We Ranked New York’s Solar Companies
When we rank our top solar companies, we start by identifying the factors that matter most to our readers to ensure you find a trustworthy, reliable and environmentally responsible solar company. We’ve listed those factors as categories below. We then weigh these factors against the industry benchmark and give each installer a score out of 5 stars.
Our goal is to deliver unbiased reports and honest reviews, thus, our methodology is not affected by commercial partnerships and is specifically tailored to New York homes.
- Solar Services (20%)
- Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications (20%)
- Solar Warranty & Customer Support (15%)
- Solar Financing Options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
- Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Factors (10%)
Solar Services
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers: in-house installations, energy storage systems (solar batteries) and home efficiency audits or upgrades. A company can earn bonus points if it offers additional services that we don’t consider essential, including electric vehicle chargers, solar panel system monitoring, home thermostats, etc. The industry standard that we measure against is solar panel and backup battery installations only.
All of our top New York installers meet the industry standards for solar services, but Kasselman Solar and SUNation Solar both excel in this category by offering more than just solar installation. With both companies, you can get electrical upgrades, EV charges and of course, critical solar system maintenance.
Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it: has NABCEP-certified employees, has a minimum of 4 stars over its last 100 reviews on Google, earns an A+ with the BBB and 4 or more stars on Glassdoor to reflect employee satisfaction. We give bonus points for additional certifications, such as LEED or with the Building Performance Institute (BPI). We flag a company for further review if it has any track record of lawsuits or customer rights violations.
An A+ BBB rating is superior, and every company on our list except EmPower Solar — which has an honorable A rating — has earned this exceptional score. Momentum Solar has an A+ rating from the BBB, but it also only has 3.4 out of 5 stars from its customers, which may indicate that it does have some issues.
We also see that some companies, such as Kasselman and EmPower, have received Quality Installers awards from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, which shows each is committed to solar industry excellence.
Solar Warranty & Customer Support
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its warranties.
Every company on our list offers some sort of 25-year industry-standard warranty. However, some companies offer stronger customer support than others. With Momentum Solar, you are assigned a dedicated point of contact that will keep you informed on your solar project every step of the way, and SUNation boasts over 1,000 positive online reviews. Both are shown to have excellent customer service.
Trinity Solar and SunPower are both larger installers that may have trouble with post-installation communication. SunPower often relies on third-party contractors for installation, so your customer support will likely vary depending on who installs your panels.
Solar Financing Options
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers multiple financing options, including in-house options in addition to partner organizations. As many solar companies choose not to offer leases and PPAs in the interest of consumer well-being, we do not dock points for companies that don’t offer them.
All of the solar companies on our list offer some sort of flexible financing option, but SunPower excels in this category. Since 2020, SunPower has helped homeowners finance more than $1 billion in residential solar and storage through its partnership with Technology Credit Union.
Experience in New York
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it has 10+ years of experience installing solar. The industry standard that we measure against is at least five years of experience. Experience in the solar industry is one important factor, but experience installing solar in the state of New York is another.
SunPower may have been in the solar industry since 1985, but other companies also have extensive solar experience in New York. EmPower Solar, for instance, has been serving New Yorkers since 2003 and SUNation has nearly 15 years of experience installing solar in the Empire State.
Availability
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers services in the majority of New York homes. Though several of our top solar companies — such as SunPower and Kasselman Solar — service the entire state, EmPower Solar and SUNation have smaller service areas. That is not to say that these smaller companies cannot compete with larger corporations, but it does limit these companies’ abilities to serve more New York residents.
Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance Factors
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EoL) products or processes and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves. Because Momentum Solar is currently faced with a class action lawsuit, its score in this category remains undetermined.
Read More About Going Solar in New York
FAQ: Best Solar Companies in New York
At EcoWatch, we’re happy to get questions about the process and costs of getting rooftop solar from New York residents. Below are some of the questions we see most often, along with our responses. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
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, but any solar company on our recommended list is a good place to start.
If you have the right roof, solar in New York is typically well worth it. The state’s solar incentives alone 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.
One of the best ways to find a reputable solar company in New York is to compare free quotes from several top installers. By comparing quotes, or getting on-site free consultations, you can better 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.
