Best Solar Companies in Long Island, New York

Solar panel costs in Long Island

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $9,810 to $28,030 in New York. Prices in Long Island are comparable, ranging from $9,810 to $28,030.

This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into Long Island’s net metering program. System size is the other major solar cost factor.

Average solar panel installation costs by system size in Long Island

How can I pay for solar panels?

Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

• Solar loans work like any other type of loan. New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has a few low-interest solar loan programs for low-income residents and for those who may not qualify for traditional loans. Eligible residents can borrow between $1,500 and $25,000.
• Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.
• Power purchase agreements are when a third party installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s typically a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.

» SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

Is solar worth it in Long Island?

Solar panels are generally worth it in New York if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Long Island homeowners with solar panels can avoid $50,204 in total utility costs over 25 years.

More than a year after his installation, John in Babylon said his system is working great, and he’s saving lots of money. He told us: “I’m a happy camper as it has knocked off over $5k in electric bills already (not to mention the tax savings!).”

The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 8.1 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

Considering New York averages 2.5 to 3.5 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is also worth considering for the environmental benefits. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

Going solar in Nassau and Suffolk counties

Long Island has some of the highest electricity rates in the U.S., making solar particularly cost-effective for reducing energy bills.

» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: New York ranked 6th in 2024

How to find a reputable solar company in Long Island

In our experience, the best solar companies in New York have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

• Check certifications: The NYSERDA is a good place to start. We also recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
• Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
• Compare costs: Get multiple solar quotes from different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

Residential solar panel incentives in Long Island

The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most Long Island homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels.

Don’t get confused: The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.

The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.

For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, getting a refund check is possible if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in New York to maximize savings.

Potential roof problems

As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?