18 Best Solar Companies in Rochester, NY (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 18 in Rochester based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Rochester, NY
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Rochester homeowner saves $1,327/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Rochester
If you're a homeowner looking to take advantage of the solar incentives in Rochester, it can be hard to narrow down which installer to decide on. But, it's worth it since switching to solar power is often a great choice. Solar power isn't just good for the environment — your wallet will benefit too. Once you switch to solar power, you can save an average of $16,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
The cost of installing solar panels can change considerably based on your home's configuration and your household energy needs. If you'd like to get free, no-obligation quotes from the best Rochester solar installers, you can click the button below to learn 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 Rankings for Solar Companies in Rochester
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
-
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
InversolPR
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Natcore Technology Inc.
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
WexEnergy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
GreenWATT
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
GreenWATT
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
RG&E
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
Tyll Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Norbut Solar Farms
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Solar Raceway
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Greentech Renewables Rochester
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
Solar by CIR Rochester
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Professional reinstallation
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Renewable Rochester
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Rochester
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Rochester 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 Rochester
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 Rochester
For many homeowners, whether or not you should invest in a solar energy system comes down to the cost. Some significant things that influence the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- Your city: This affects the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- average energy usage: The more electricity your home uses on average and the larger your current electricity bills are, the more likely you'll benefit from switching to solar.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you choose will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, lets you deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own power instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping preserve the Earth.
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Solar Incentives in Rochester
Although solar power is typically a big investment, it can save you a significant amount of money in the long term because of reduced power bills and government incentives. No matter what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will allow you to claim 30% of your project costs when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some state and city incentives that can save you some extra money too. For more information about incentives that apply to you, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Rochester
There are a few primary reasons why homeowners are considering solar energy: for the financial and environmental benefits. A question many people might be thinking about is how much can they really help the environment by going solar anyway? The average person has a sizable carbon footprint. Between their car, which produces over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions a year, and powering their home, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do. Going solar is a simple thing you can do to help. When you go solar, your carbon footprint can be reduced by about 20 pounds a year. Since solar energy is plentiful and produces electricity without CO2 emissions, installing solar panels is one easy step you can take to help preserve the environment.
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 Rochester, NY Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar company in Rochester?
In Rochester, Alternative Power Solutions of New York, LLC is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your roof.
Are solar panels actually eco-friendly?
Making solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is the amount of energy the panels can create under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household requires between 20 and 35 panels to cover their energy needs.
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.