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Best Solar Companies in New York, New York

We compared 9 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      EmPower Solar
      4.8(86)
    • Solar leases
      Sunrun
      4.2(3,033)
    • Community solar
      CleanChoice Energy
      4.7(58)

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      Best Solar Companies in New York, New York

      Our top solar company picks for New York City

      1. Best overall: EmPower Solar
      2. Affordable solar leases: Sunrun
      3. Our pick for community solar: CleanChoice Energy

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies in New York based on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranty terms and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how ConsumerAffairs makes solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,571,386 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies in New York City

      Solar can be a big investment. Our goal is to highlight companies that are best equipped to meet most New Yorkers’ energy needs.

      Our top pick overall

      EmPower Solar

      4.8
      86 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22.8%
      Panel warranty
      25 years
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      Year founded
      2003

      EmPower Solar is a SEIA-certified solar installation company with lots of local experience. Customers are overall satisfied with the installation process, staff professionalism and the savings they are experiencing on their electric bills.

      • “I looked at their proposals, what they offer, and the customer service who gave me online consultation because they did a video conference call where they explained how it works. And I realized that this is a serious company and they probably will do a good job. My installation experience was very positive. I'm happy with them. It's a good thing. They gave us an application where I could see how much energy is produced and how much energy is consumed and I could see exactly that I'm saving a lot of money and this is exactly what they wanted. I would recommend them. They're a good company.” — Roman in Brooklyn
      • “EmPower is good. They're responsive and professional. They brought a lot of info and samples to look at and that gave me a lot of information to process. I like that. The paperwork took a few weeks and the installation took three days. In the spring and fall, that tends to have a lot of savings. Summer will be less. In winter, it's not much because there isn't enough sun. Their customer service has been very good. They got back to me within 24 hours and they set up sometimes an in-person visit to check the issue. Sometimes they're able to do it remotely.” — Simon in Queens
      • “EmPower powers the house and my electric car with solar and I'm happy with it. I got money back the first two years. But as we added more heat pumps and such, we're at break-even. The permit was the most difficult thing but EmPower took care of it. They are timely and they follow up. They had to replace the inverters in each of the panels because they were substandard and not performing.” — Tom in Breezy Point

      Shahida in Staten Island had hoped for a positive experience, but it turned into a stressful and costly ordeal. It took a full year to complete the installation. The reviewer had to deal with multiple sales representatives who didn’t provide clear information on what to expect or what was happening during the process.

      EmPower Solar specializes in high-performance solar panel and battery system installations. Services are available throughout Long Island and Greater New York.

      • Energy services: Custom solar system design, solar panel removal and reinstallation, battery installations and EV charging solutions are available.
      • Warranty information: Panels come with warranties of 20 to 25 years. All systems also come with a 10-year workmanship warranty.
      • Payment options: Cash purchases are an option if you can pay for the solar panel system outright. EmPower Solar works with third-party lenders to let customers finance their solar panel installations.

      Pros

      • Variety of solar solutions
      • 25-year output guarantee
      • Leak-free guarantee
      • Multiple financing options

      Cons

      • Some installation delays
      • Some communication issues
      Our pick for solar leases

      Sunrun

      4.2
      3,033 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Panel warranty
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      Year founded
      2007

      Sunrun's leasing program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any panels or other equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it.

      • “I was dealing with four different companies and decided on the best price or service. Sunrun was cheaper and I liked the plan they offered me. The microinverter was the best. The installation was really quick. 12 panels were mounted because it's the maximum capacity of my roof. Everything has been good and I would 100% recommend Sunrun.” — Jaime in New York
      • “Enrolling with Sunrun was very good. I have the solar panels installed and it has been smooth sailing so far. If I had any questions, I would reach out to the rep, and he would explain to me, and that would be resolved. I am very much satisfied because I haven't been getting an extra charge from Con Edison apart from the service fee I was told they would charge. It seems as if my panels are producing enough or more than enough sometimes.” — Monique in Queens
      • “They came to check my attic, the breakers in the basement and the electrical system, and my roof. I am very satisfied with going solar ‘cause it decreased a whole lot of cost for me.” — Stella in New York

      Make sure you read the fine print carefully. “The Sunrun rep's presentation was good, but it was a little misleading,” Elizabeth in Staten Island told us. Others have said they are not satisfied with the contract and terms.

      Sunrun specializes in residential solar systems with battery storage. Installers use monocrystalline panels from reputable manufacturers like LG.

      • Energy services: Sunrun designs and installs customized solar panel systems for homes and businesses. Technicians provide ongoing maintenance and monitoring to ensure optimal performance.
      • Warranty information: Sunrun provides a 10-year warranty on workmanship and equipment, roof leak protection and a 25-year performance guarantee.
      • Payment options: You can pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun leasing plans really set it apart. With leases, Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Contracts typically last 25 years and include free repairs.

      Pros

      • Reliable systems
      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Daily system monitoring

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some billing issues
      Our pick for community solar

      CleanChoice Energy

      4.7
      58 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Panel warranty
      N/A
      Payment options
      Varies
      Year founded
      2012

      CleanChoice Energy isn't a solar panel installer, but it works with people in Con Edison and National Grid territories who want to switch to solar power. The company purchases renewable energy on your behalf in the form of grid power and renewable energy certifications, which makes it a good option for those who rent or otherwise can't install a solar panel system.

      • “With CleanChoice, I could lock in at a 12-month rate that was much lower than my previous provider's.” — Sawyer in Brooklyn
      • “The enrollment process was very simple. It was also very simple to renew, and it says any time you want, you can cancel it. Their website was very easy to navigate too.” — Deborah in Brooklyn
      • “Going with CleanChoice is good because I'm helping the environment. Signing up with them was very easy. My experience has been good.” — Emmanuel in Staten Island

      CleanChoice generally buys the cheapest clean energy available in your area, but you should be aware that energy prices can still fluctuate. While a few negative reviews mention issues with promotional rates, the majority of customers are satisfied with their experience.

      CleanChoice Energy acts as an alternative energy supplier. Instead of getting your electricity from the default utility company in your area, it can provide electricity sourced from wind and solar power that is generated in the region. Your local utility still handles the poles, wires and infrastructure that brings power into your home.

      You can pick a monthly, quarterly or annual membership. Pricing plans may vary based on market conditions. There are no cancellation or early termination fees for residential customers, so you can stop at any time without penalty.

      Pros

      • 100% clean energy from local sources
      • Variable and fixed payment plans
      • No termination fees
      • Referral bonuses

      Cons

      • Services vary by location
      • Prices are dependent on market

      How we chose the best solar companies in New York City

      We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the humid continental climate, to choose the best solar companies in New York, New York, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

      • Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      • Warranty terms: 20%
      • Equipment selection: 20%
      • Financing and payment options: 20%

      » MORE: Full methodology

      New York City solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve talked to hundreds of New Yorkers who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what New York residents should look out for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $29,596 in New York.

      Jump to insight

      Solar loans, leases and other programs make it easy to go solar with minimal upfront costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar scammers may falsely claim to be affiliated with a New York City or state government agency.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panel costs in New York City

      A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $10,360 to $29,600 in New York. Prices in New York are comparable, ranging from $11,235 to $32,100.

      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.

      System size is the other major solar cost factor. The average New York household needs a system with a capacity of 9.22 kW (kilowatt) to fully offset their electricity costs. Depending on how much energy you and your family use, you might need a smaller or larger one.

      Average total solar installation costs by system size in New York City

      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. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers low-interest solar loans 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.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Is solar worth it in New York City?

      Solar panels are generally worth it in New York if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, New York City homeowners with solar panels can avoid $75,242 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 6 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      As long as your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s at least worth considering. 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.

      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. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How to find a reputable solar company in New York City

      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.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others — this may indicate lower quality.
      • 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.

      Going solar in New York County

      Urban homeowners in New York often face space limitations, so rooftop installations may be smaller or less efficient. For city residents, solar energy battery storage can help offset peak electricity prices and improve resilience during outages.

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

      Solar incentives in New York City

      The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best incentive for most homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. You can combine the ITC with local solar incentives in New York to maximize savings.

      For instance, there’s no sales tax on solar equipment, and renewable energy equipment is exempt from property taxes for 15 years on multifamily residential buildings. The NY-Sun program makes solar adoption more affordable for homes, businesses and multifamily buildings. There’s also a personal tax credit for residents going solar.

      » GREENEST STATES: New York ranked 8th in 2024

      New York City solar FAQ

      How does the federal solar tax credit work?

      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.

      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.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels in New York?

      Yes, local permits are generally required for most residential solar panel installations in New York City.

      What are the different types of solar panels?

      Monocrystalline and polycrystalline are the most common types of solar panels used in residential installations. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The key difference is in materials and efficiency: Monocrystalline panels use pure, single silicon crystals, while polycrystalline panels are made from melted silicon fragments, resulting in different efficiency levels.

      Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. Standard efficiency rates range from 19% to 23%, which means 19% to 23% of the sunlight that hits the panels gets converted into electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

      Can I get solar panels for free in New York?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in New York. You can lease or enter a power purchase agreement with minimal upfront costs, but there is usually an ongoing monthly fee. In general, beware of deals that sound too good to be true.

      How does a power purchase agreement work?

      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.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in New York City

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in New York, New York. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified New York City customers were given preference.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Financing and payment options: 20%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. EmPower Solar
      2. Sunrun
      3. CleanChoice Energy

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide Sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in New York, NY." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        2. Solar Energy Industries Association, "New York Solar." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        3. DSIRE, "New York Programs." Accessed Oct. 17, 2024.
        4. EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in New York." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Federal Trade Commission Consumer Advice, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Sept. 19, 2024.

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