EmPower Solar Reviews

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About EmPower Solar

EmPower Solar specializes in residential solar solutions throughout the New York area. It sells solar panels, battery backup, electric car charging stations and other solar equipment from manufacturers including SunPower and Tesla. EmPower also offers installation and maintenance services. Its panels are backed by both a 25-year output and leak-free guarantee.

Pros
  • SunPower and Tesla products
  • Variety of solar solutions
  • 25-year output guarantee
  • Leak-free guarantee
  • Multiple financing options
Cons
  • Limited pricing info
  • Only available in New York

EmPower Solar panels and equipment

As a solar installer, EmPower Solar does not manufacture its own equipment. Instead, the company offers equipment from leading solar brands like SunPower and Tesla. Its equipment spans a range of residential needs, including:

  • Solar panels: Its systems typically cover 600 to 800 square feet and weigh as little as a layer of shingles. All systems include additional products like inverters, racking and a monitoring system.
  • In-home electric car charging stations: If you have an electric vehicle, you can get an in-home charging station from EmPower. The company sells AC Level 1, 2 and 3 chargers, plus V3 superchargers. An electric car charging station starts at around $499, with installation costs between $300 and $1,000.
  • Solar battery backup: To truly live off the grid, you’ll need a solar backup battery. EmPower sells the Tesla Powerwall, which stores the electricity generated by your solar panel for the times you really need it. The cost of one Tesla Powerwall is $17,600 before incentives (in some cases, you may need more than one).
  • Whole-home solar equipment: If you need all of the above, EmPower offers what it calls “Total Home Electrification,” which covers every facet of residential solar energy. Its team designs a custom solution, determining the size and shape of your solar system and upgrading your heat pumps and electric appliances as needed.

EmPower Solar installation

Installing a solar solution isn’t an easy task. EmPower’s can handle all aspects of installation, including:

  1. Electricity usage review: Submit a photo of your most recent electricity bill so solar experts can review factors like usage and needs.
  2. Home assessment: EmPower’s in-house technicians conduct an in-person assessment of your property, either by drone or foot. This assessment takes accurate measurements, evaluates roof structure and plans installation locations.
  3. Permit acquisition: EmPower’s dedicated permitting department works directly with local building departments to obtain, complete and submit the necessary construction permits for the project.
  4. Scheduling your project: Once permits are approved, a dedicated project management team schedules installation.
  5. Equipment installation: Each project has a dedicated site foreman who leads the team of solar installers during the installation:
    • Installing a racking system to the roof or ground
    • Connecting solar panels to an external meter
    • Connecting solar panels to interior electrical panel
    • Mounting any backup batteries and electric vehicle chargers
    • Giving homeowners a formal introduction to the new system
  6. Inspection: After installation, EmPower schedules the required final inspections with local jurisdictions and utility providers.
  7. Mobile app download: Once the system is up and running, a tech makes sure you’re connected to the mobile app for monitoring.

EmPower Solar services

In addition to installation, EmPower’s in-house service team offers a few other services, including custom solar system design, thorough roof assessments and system lifetime service. The website is pretty limited on what these services cover (and at what cost), however. Contact the company for more information.

EmPower Solar costs

Pricing is specific to each home or business, taking into account factors like size, roof shape, shade, electricity needs and budget. On average, a whole-home solar system costs $16,715 after the federal tax credit in 2023. Before incentives, the cost usually ranges between $20,000 and 40,000 in New York City. You could pay more or less depending on your situation.

EmPower says customers who purchase their system outright can expect to see a return on investment within four to seven years.

Financing

Customers can choose one of three ways to pay for their system: purchase outright, lease or finance. All three options can make you eligible for most state and federal tax incentives.

  • Financing: You can sign a low-interest loan with term options between five and 15 years with as little as $0 down.
  • Leasing: For $0 down, you can lease your system from EmPower. Leases are for 25 years and offer predictable monthly payments. Customers who lease their system rather than purchase or finance are not eligible for the 30% federal investment tax credit, however.

EmPower Solar warranty

All work is done by an in-house service team and is backed by a ten-year workmanship warranty. The panels and equipment themselves include their own manufacturer warranties, typically between 20 and 25 years. The team also takes extra steps to protect equipment (like putting in squirrel guards) to make sure the system works to its highest potential.

The company doesn’t provide much information about things that may void the warranty, but it’s safe to assume that you have to keep up with regular maintenance (and keep those maintenance records) to maintain your warranty coverage. Read through your contract carefully to understand the rules surrounding your warranty.

EmPower Solar FAQ

What is EmPower Solar?

EmPower Solar is a residential and commercial solar installer that services the New York area. It sells products from leading manufacturers like Tesla and SunPower backed by lengthy warranties and guarantees.

How does EmPower Solar work?

EmPower Solar offers online, phone or in-person consultations to help customers design the right solar solution for their needs. Its team takes into account a variety of factors, including the shape and pitch of a roof, energy needs and more, to create a custom solar system that fits your budget. Plus, it offers a few different ways to pay for a system, including financing and leasing, while also helping to connect you with local and national tax incentives.

Where is EmPower Solar available?

EmPower Solar, headquartered in Island Park, New York, offers services throughout the New York City and Long Island areas, including:

  • Nassau
  • Queens
  • Westchester
  • Suffolk
  • Staten Island
  • Brooklyn
Does EmPower Solar offer storage and monitoring options?

Yes, EmPower offers both storage and monitoring options. EmPower sells battery backup solutions from Tesla. The Tesla Powerwall is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery designed for small-scale home energy usage. It recently announced that it now offers panel-level monitoring for eligible SunPower systems, although details are still pretty limited.

When was EmPower Solar founded?

EmPower Solar was founded in 2003. Since then, it has powered thousands of New York homeowners and businesses with 50 megawatts of distributed solar. Today it serves the Nassau, Queens, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Staten Island and Westchester communities.

Is EmPower Solar legit?

EmPower is an award-winning solar company with more than 20 years of experience in the New York area. Its team has been recognized by industry and state leaders like the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the Building Inspectors Association Of Nassau County. It has served over 3,500 New Yorkers.

EmPower Solar Reviews

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    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceInstallation & SetupPriceOnline & AppSavings

    Reviewed Dec. 24, 2024

    Previously, my ex had looked into solar services, and since then, different companies have been persistent in their visits. Solar seemed like a beneficial choice for the environment and for switching my heating system to electric. After considering several companies over two years, keeping meticulous records concerning pricing and features, I decided on Empower due to their favorable offer.

    Working with a representative named Beth was a pivotal factor in my decision. Her approach was patient and non-forceful, unlike another sales representative from another company who became quite aggressive. Beth kept me informed about price drops and provided a better offer, which led me to choose Empower.

    On installation day, despite it being rainy, the crew under the supervision of a foreman executed the setup efficiently. This particular foreman not only handled installation but also ensured I understood the system's operation, including integrating an app on my phone for monitoring purposes. Although one of my friends had initially encountered some issues with Empower, his advice to secure the best possible warranty proved valuable as I ended up with a comprehensive warranty covering various components.

    The warranty package I received was robust compared to other offerings, covering essential items for up to 25 years, with labor coverage extending beyond typical options. This was particularly crucial as my attorney friend experienced issues with labor costs after his warranty expenses.

    Though Sun Power, the panel manufacturer, went out of business, Empower facilitated a switch to maintain the same warranty through another company. As long as this transition is upheld, I remain very satisfied with Empower's services.

    My electric bills have significantly decreased, especially during the summer. It's economical and aligns perfectly as I plan to switch to a heat pump system. I have already recommended Empower Solar to friends, impressed by both the savings and the excellent customer service.

    Beth and her team were consistently communicative and available for any questions or assistance, validating my decision with Empower. They kept me informed throughout the process, assured me of ongoing support, and ensured I had all the necessary contact details for future inquiries.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer Service

      Reviewed Dec. 18, 2024

      I decided to hire Empower Solar based on the positive experience of my neighbor down the street. He used them and had nothing but rave reviews about them. He had gotten them from referrals from someone else in our neighborhood as well. The entire process with Empower Solar was remarkable. They handled all the permitting and it was wonderful.

      Overall, my experience with Empower Solar was very good. However, I did face a minor issue regarding the design approval in Scarsdale, which was quite rigid. They required the panel layout to be rectangular, which did not fit my roof. Thankfully, I found someone who defied the norm. Bethany was my representative and I sent her pictures of the house and the address. Empower went to the village for me and we got more panels, but I don't get 100% solar.

      Switching to solar has been beneficial and worth it. My electricity bill is virtually nothing, and I like that. I wish I could have gotten 100% solar though. Now I drive down my street and see people with panels in front of their house, and I see mismatched ones. There is the option of adding the rest, but I haven't pursued it. I've been getting everything I needed.

      In rating Empower Solar, I would give them a high score for their services, especially for customer service and the efficiency of the solar panels. Bethany was a fabulous representative. She was on top of everything and was very responsive.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceInstallation & SetupPrice

      Reviewed Aug. 31, 2024

      EmPower has an excellent sales team. They told me what I needed to know and were able to answer the questions I asked. The person who came on-site was very knowledgeable. They took everything I had concerns about into consideration and explained everything including the pricing very clearly. The representative was amazing to work with all around. Any time there was an issue, I called the sales guy and he handled it, even six months, a year later.

      The installation was a pleasure. I told them exactly how I wanted it and they did it exactly as I requested. I was building a new house and wanted to make sure that all the piping was built into the house versus looking like this ugly exterior piping, which meant they had to come and do part of the process while they were building the house. Then they came back later and finished. The other companies didn't wanna do that. One said they'd do it if we paid them extra. But EmPower told us not to worry and that they got it.

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      EmPower Solar
      Response from EmPower Solar

      Thank you so much for your kind words, Mordechai. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us! We work hard to meet expectations like yours, and we’re happy to hear that our team hit the mark for you. We are glad to hear how happy you are since going solar, and hope you continue to enjoy all of the benefits of your system for years to come!

      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceTech

      Reviewed July 24, 2024

      Two gentlemen did the presentation and they took a look at the roof. One of the guys was an engineer and he figured out how many panels they could put on the roof and how much they could generate. The big ticket item on the system was getting a battery array as a backup in the house. So if the power goes down, I have 24 hours of power for back up and that was the biggest expense that we had. The installers were here in a workman-like manner. They were here every day. If they weren't going to come, they would tell me, "We're waiting for this guy and this guy is gonna come on Thursday." They were totally upfront with me with every portion.

      The guys who worked in the house were pros and really, really nice. They didn't mess up the inside of the house. When it was all completed, they gave me a good walkthrough for the system. At some point earlier down the road, I had a question and the guy called me right away, and then he came and showed me what I needed to do to handle the situation that I had encountered. I've never had a problem with the system.

      My electric bill went from about 125 to 150 a month. It might even have been more. It's now $12 and that's because I have two electric cars. With the way Empower's systems work, you're not generating power for yourself. But you're generating power and you're selling it to the local provider, and then we pay based on our usage against what we sell them. So, that's why it comes out to about 12 bucks. We're still a net consumer, but not by much.

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      EmPower Solar
      Response from EmPower Solar

      Hi Richard, thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. Wishing you many sunny high-production days ahead for both of your systems!

      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceInstallation & SetupTechMaintenanceFinancing

      Reviewed July 23, 2024

      Signing up with EmPower Solar was easy. I contacted them directly. Everyone that works there is very helpful. They have always answered the phone and my questions. They were very helpful and they walked me through the whole process. They sent out a representative. He sat down with me, went over all the details, sent through email with PDFs the whole layout of what they recommend, the size of the whole solar array, and what it would save me. They gave me the full breakdown of what my cost would be, how it would impact my utility bill moving forward, and they offered me the financing options. They offered me the option of getting a NYSERDA loan. They handled everything from getting the permits, setting up appointments with the town for inspections, and it was straightforward and quick. They were held back by the town and the town inspectors were based on their scheduling. But it was seamless.

      EmPower Solar has been on top of my system even remotely. They have contacted me in the past letting me know that there was an issue. They sent out the technicians, they figured out that all my microinverters on each of the panels were defective or they were recalled by the company, and they replaced all of them. After that, I contacted them again. I got the Tesla batteries installed. I also used them for the process. I'm overall very happy with them. I recommended them to several of my friends.

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      EmPower Solar
      Response from EmPower Solar

      Thank you so much for your kind words, Willard; we really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us! We work hard to meet expectations like yours, and we’re happy to hear that our team hit the mark for you.

      Customer ServiceInstallation & SetupMaintenance

      Reviewed June 2, 2025

      I was originally told that Empower would warranty the cost of labor to replace any panels that were not working and that the manufacturer would warranty the cost of the parts. When one of panels stopped working, over 9 months ago, we put in a claim for its replacement. Empower basically just threw their hands up and was of no help with moving along this claim.

      After all that time and me following up with them regularly and them telling me it should be replaced soon, they are now telling me that if I want them to replace it that they want $1,800 for labor costs. Their reasoning for this is that the manufacturer is not going to reimburse them for the labor costs. So their so called “warranty” was basically them just saying that they will ask the manufacturer to pay them if a replacement is need and if the manufacturer doesn’t pay then they aren’t doing everything without money. Additionally, during that time, one more panel stopped working. They are now saying that they will offer a “complimentary labor service” when we get to six panels down, so for now I just have to deal with the two not working.

      When I signed up with this company, it was at a premium to other solar companies. I did so because their marking made it seem like they were of higher quality and that their service going forward would be of a higher standard. In the four years that I have had the panels, 2 are already down and they seem to expect that we will be getting to more down. Their customers service (after installation) has been nonexistent and flat out rude. I would definitely proceed with great caution if considering this company. Though taking legal action for my two down panels may not be financially feasible, I know I am not the only one burned by their warranty loop hole. Please contact me directly if you have also been unable to get empower to honor their warrant, as a class action lawsuit is a definite possibility.

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      Verified purchase
      Installation & Setup

      Reviewed Feb. 27, 2025

      I initially learned about Empower Solar while researching solar companies. Some neighbors in White Plains had also used them and spoke positively of their experience. After comparing Empower Solar with other companies, we decided to go with them. The sign-up process was straightforward. A representative came to our home, provided a thorough presentation, and there was no pressure to sign anything. We felt comfortable going with them.

      Due to COVID, the installation process took a little longer, but once it began, it was seamless and straightforward. So far, having solar energy has been beneficial for us, especially in New York where Con Edison is raising rates. We can see the positive impact on our electric bill, and the experience has been favorable.

      I would rate my experience with Empower Solar, prior to their merger, as a 5 out of 5. They provided excellent service, and I have no complaints.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceInstallation & Setup

      Reviewed Feb. 27, 2025

      The sign-up process at Empower was seamless without any issues. I've had the panels installed for about a year and a half now, and the installation itself was completed efficiently within a day. The customer service team was pleasant to interact with, and so far, the solar panels have been working as expected. I've noticed a decrease in my monthly bills as well. Overall, I'm very satisfied with my experience with Empower Solar.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceInstallation & Setup

      Reviewed Feb. 15, 2025

      I had a solar installation with Empower Solar back in 2017, and the process went very smoothly. There was a minor hiccup, but their team was professional and resolved the issue promptly. Since then, I've been quite satisfied with the results. My electricity bill, which was $210 initially, dropped to $136 after government financing and rebates. Additionally, there's a $12 to $13 monthly line fee, which is manageable.

      Overall, I was very happy with the service, both in terms of installation and customer experience. I would highly recommend Empower Solar to others based on my positive experience.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceInstallation & SetupSales & MarketingPrice

      Reviewed Feb. 15, 2025

      I discovered Empower Solar while watching a YouTube video about the best companies in New York. I decided to give them a try. The presentation from Empower Solar was done during the pandemic, which caused some delays, but their communication was great. They kept me informed via email about scheduling assessments and the process was smooth despite these challenges.

      Signing up was straightforward and transparent. They didn't try to cut corners or mislead; everything was clear and honest. Although there were some delays due to the pandemic and panel shortages, it was understandable.

      The installation was impressive. The team was professional and efficient, completing the work in just a day. Regarding my electrical payments, I am now entirely off the grid, which is fantastic.

      The sales experience with Matthew was positive. He was attentive and informative throughout the process. Although he is no longer with the company, I had a great experience dealing with him.

      I chose a premium solar system from Empower Solar, and the pricing was competitive, even with premium products and additional storage systems involved. It was actually cheaper compared to quotes from other companies like Sunation.

      Overall, I am very satisfied with Empower Solar. The only minor issue was that the company providing the warranty, SunPower, went out of business. However, Empower Solar has taken charge of the warranty now. Overall, I'm happy with my decision and would recommend them.

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      EmPower Solar Company Information

      Company Name:
      EmPower Solar
      Year Founded:
      2003
      Address:
      4589 Austin Blvd.
      City:
      Island Park
      State/Province:
      NY
      Postal Code:
      11558
      Country:
      United States
      Website:
      www.empower-solar.com