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

Average Cortland homeowner saves $1,067/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Cortland

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Regional Coverage
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Momentum Solar

  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Pros icon Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Con icon Slightly limited service offerings

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries

Website: https://www.momentumsolar.com/
Best for Leasing
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Solar Veteran
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Trinity Solar

  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Pros icon Family-owned and -operated
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Con icon Limited service area
  • Con icon Relatively short workmanship warranty

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.trinity-solar.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Intelligent Green Solutions (IGS)

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.intelligentgreensolutions.com/
Address: Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: 8666691786
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunMaxx Solar

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.sunmaxxsolar.com/
Address: Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: 8777866299
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sungineer Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://www.sungineersolar.com/
Address: Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: 6072882898
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Steamback Renewable Thermal

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://steambackrenewablethermal.godaddysites.com/
Address: Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: 6073510688
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Horseshoe Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://horseshoesolar.com/contact
Address: Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: 6073426805

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 National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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.