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

Average Rochester homeowner saves $1,327/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 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 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 Rochester

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
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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
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

InversolPR

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://inversolpr.com/
Address: 11 Centre Park, Rochester, NY 14614
Phone: 8888032202
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Natcore Technology Inc.

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.natcoresolar.com/
Address: 189 N Water St #700, Rochester, NY 14604
Phone: 5852869180
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

WexEnergy

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://wexenergy.com/
Address: 260 E Main St #6318, Rochester, NY 14604
Phone: 260EMainSt#6318
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

GreenWATT

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.solar.greenwattusa.com/
Address: 260 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604
Phone: 260EMainSt
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

GreenWATT

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.solar.greenwattusa.com/
Address: 260 E Main St, Rochester, NY 14604
Phone: 5852836999
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

RG&E

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.rge.com/
Address: 89 East Ave, Rochester, NY 14649
Phone: 8007432110
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Tyll Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://tyllsolar.com/contact-us/
Address: 40 Franklin St, Rochester, NY 14604
Phone: 3472868955
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Norbut Solar Farms

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://www.norbutsolarfarms.com/
Address: 1241 University Ave, Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: 5855042200
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Raceway

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

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

Website: http://solarraceway.com/
Address: 50 Jetview Dr, Rochester, NY 14624
Phone: 2039803216
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables Rochester

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://cedgreentechus.com/
Address: 465 Paul Rd, Rochester, NY 14624
Phone: 5854864900
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar by CIR Rochester

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Professional reinstallation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://www.solarbycir.com/
Address: 4050 W Ridge Rd Suite 131, Rochester, NY 14626
Phone: 5856675000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Renewable Rochester

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.renewablerochester.com/
Address: 780 Ridge Rd, Webster, NY 14580
Phone: 5856711301

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 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 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.