9 Best Solar Companies in Watertown, NY (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 9 in Watertown based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Watertown, NY
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Watertown homeowner saves $1,125/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Watertown

Are you looking for energy freedom in Watertown? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding project since you can enjoy a lot of perks when you go solar. Though Watertown may not have a reputation for sunshine like Florida, it's a surprisingly hot place for solar growth, so many of the best solar companies in the nation have set up shop there to help residents embrace renewable energy.

The cost of installing solar panels can vary substantially based on your home's configuration and your overall energy requirements. To help you understand if solar panels are worth it for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Watertown 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 Watertown

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Next Generation Solar, LLC

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.nextgenerationsolar.org/
Address: 290 Elwood Davis Rd #290, Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: 3156571885
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

The Solar Building

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://www.washingtonstreetproperties.com/
Address: 206 Franklin St, Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: 3154058161
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Proven Energy Systems

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.provenenergysystems.com/
Address: 1408 Co Rd 6, Hammond, NY 13646
Phone: 3157716483
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Rural Generation

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.rgwco.net/
Address: 1852 US-11, Hastings, NY 13076
Phone: 3156687537
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

Nickels Energy Solutions

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • 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://www.nickelsenergysolutions.com/
Address: 4575 Buckley Rd, Liverpool, NY 13088
Phone: 3154817412
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.2/5

CNY Solar, Inc

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.cnysolar.net/
Address: 9166 N Main St, Canastota, NY 13032
Phone: 3155521245
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

PTM SOLAR INC.

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

Website: https://www.ptmcommunitysolar.com/
Address: 6538 Baptist Way, DeWitt, NY 13057
Phone: 3154552395
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Otter Energy

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.otterenergy.com/
Address: 206 Main St W #2H, Picton, Picton, Canada Canada
Phone: 8334740770
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Tri-Canadian Energy

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.tricanadianenergy.com/
Address: 343 County Rd 22 Unit Q3, Prince Edward, Prince Edward, Canada Canada
Phone: 8774654844

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Watertown

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Watertown 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 Watertown


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 Watertown

Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you must first pay to set up your system. Some significant things that impact the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:

  • Incentives: Something that can make your solar project cost less 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 on your power bills, which can result in an average of $13,000 of savings over 20 years.
  • Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can noticeably reduce, or entirely get rid of, your utility bills. In Watertown, you can save an average of $54 a month.
  • The model of solar panel system you can afford: This depends on how much you're willing to invest upfront.
  • Electricity consumption: The average household in Watertown doesn't use much energy, and therefore may not see as many savings on their power bills.

Because of the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as various solar incentives, they are a solid investment for most homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Watertown

If you're planning on making the switch to solar energy, several government incentives and state programs can greatly bring down your project costs and speed up the return on your investment. You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially pair the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can find in Watertown.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Watertown

There are tons of reasons to trade traditional energy for solar power, like saving on electricity bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint. A question many might be asking themselves is how much can they really help preserve the environment by switching to solar power anyway? If your family consumes lots of energy, you can have an even greater impact on the planet by switching to solar power. In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you'll no doubt find that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.

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 Watertown, NY Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar panel installer is the best in Watertown?

In Watertown, The Solar Building is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your house.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?

Manufacturing solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 14.7 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.

What are the different types of solar panels?

There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, how much you're willing to spend and desired energy output.

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.