8 Best Solar Companies in Rochester, NY (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 8 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
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Rochester
Choosing the best solar panel installation company for your house is an important decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Rochester. On average, your family can save $16,000 over 20 years with solar panels. And because solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, your total cost savings will be well above that overall.
To help you navigate through the large variety of Rochester solar installers, we’ve narrowed down a list of the top ones.To get free quotes from the best solar companies in Rochester, you can click "get quote" below.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Rochester
Paradise Energy Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Geotherm, Inc: Geothermal & Solar Experts
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
Solar by CIR Rochester
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- System Decommissioning
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Community Solar Projects
- Battery Storage
Greentech Renewables Rochester
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Solar & Wind FX Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
Fusion Energy Services
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
Go Solar WNY
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Qwiksolar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
- Solar Panel Upgrades
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
Although solar panels can help save you money on utility bills over time, it’s necessary to take into consideration the startup costs.The cost and possible savings vary depending on some important factors such as:
- Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, along with your roof configuration, affects affect how much power your solar panels can make.
- Your income and budget: This determines what model of solar panels you can afford.
- Incentives: One thing that can save you money on your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that’s equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save money on your energy bills, which can result in an average of $16,000 of savings over 20 years.
- Your current power bills: Solar panels can dramatically reduce, or entirely eradicate, your utility bills. In Rochester, you can save an average of $906 a month.
As a result of solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as several solar incentives, they are a sound investment for the majority of homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Rochester
To increase solar panel installation and usage, incentives are offered by the government – and even some utility companies – to help make switching to solar power more affordable and accessible.On top of the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some local programs, which in most cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you can save even more. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in Rochester.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Rochester
There are a few main reasons why people are interested in solar energy: to put more money in their bank account and to help the planet.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Rochester, though. One thing that can dramatically shape your carbon footprint is how long your commute is and how much you drive generally. If you go solar and have an electric car, you can vastly decrease your carbon dioxide emissions by charging your car at home.In Rochester, the average homeowner can lower their carbon footprint by 20 pounds a year once they go solar. As you can see, using solar power has so many other perks besides saving money. One of the most important ones is that you can help save the planet too.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Rochester, NY Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar company in Rochester?
In Rochester, Paradise Energy Solutions is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your home.
What are some of the biggest pros and cons of installing solar panels?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your power bills, it’s good for the environment, and it can provide a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels can be an eyesore.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 15.4 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
How efficient are solar panels?
Most of the time, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, meaning they can convert that percentage of the sun’s energy into usable electricity.
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.