11 Best Solar Companies in Cortland, NY (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Cortland based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Cortland, NY
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Cortland homeowner saves $1,067/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Cortland
When looking for the best solar companies in Cortland, sifting through hundreds of options can be demanding, but it can pay off since adopting solar power can offer so many fantastic perks. Solar panels can be expensive, but switching to solar will save you money on your power bills over time. In fact, you can potentially save about $13,000 over 20 years.
The cost of installing solar panels can change greatly depending on your home's setup and your household energy usage. To help you understand if solar panels are a good idea for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Cortland by clicking the button below.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Cortland
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Intelligent Green Solutions (IGS)
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
SunMaxx Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Sungineer Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
Steamback Renewable Thermal
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Horseshoe Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Cortland
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Cortland based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Cortland
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for New York solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): 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 contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): 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.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Cortland
The cost of installing solar panels has dropped significantly over the past few years, but it's still a significant investment for most homeowners. The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Your current energy bills: Solar panels can significantly decrease, or totally eliminate, your utility bills. In Cortland, you can save an average of $52 a month.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof gets limited direct sunlight, your solar panel system won't be able to produce as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on power bills than someone with a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 30% of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $13,000 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.
Due to the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as various solar incentives, they are a sound investment for the majority of homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Cortland
Switching to solar power has many great benefits. Not only can it help preserve the Earth, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives. On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some state- and city-level programs, which in the majority of cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. You can learn about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Cortland
Lots of people want to do their part to help save the planet, which in many cases is the primary motivation to install a solar system. But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually help the environment? How much energy you use is a key factor to consider. The more power your household consumes, the bigger your impact when you go solar. In Cortland, the average homeowner can lower their carbon footprint by 20 pounds a year after going solar. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you'll most likely get that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is worth more.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Cortland, NY Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel company in Cortland?
The top local solar company in Cortland is J&A Electrical Construction LLC, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
Are solar panels actually bad for the environment?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated depending on how much power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.