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Best Solar Companies in New York

We compared 128 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • EmPower Solar
      4.8(86)
    • Sunrun
      4.2(3,032)
    • CleanChoice Energy
      4.7(58)

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      Best Solar Companies in New York

      If you’re ready to go solar in New York but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. ConsumerAffairs is here to help you compare your options and get the best deal.

      Our research team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners who 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 we make solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,568,520 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 3 best solar companies, reviewed

      EmPower Solar, Sunrun and CleanChoice Energy have the most positive reviews from recent New York customers. SunPower stands out for its great warranty support, and Project Solar is one of the few solar companies with transparent pricing.

      Our top solar company picks

      1. EmPower Solar: Our top pick for New York
      2. Sunrun: Flexible payment plans
      3. CleanChoice Energy: Good option for renters
      Our top pick

      EmPower Solar

      4.8
      86 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22.8%
      Solar panel warranty
      25 years
      Year founded
      2003

      EmPower Solar is an SEIA-certified solar installation company with lots of experience and great reviews. It uses the same solar equipment and monitoring technology as SunPower, but your overall costs may be slightly lower with EmPower.

      We like that EmPower Solar is local to Long Island and Greater New York. Customers are overall satisfied with the installation process, the professionalism of the staff and the savings they are experiencing on their electric bills.

      • “I shopped around pretty carefully for solar installers… I don't know that they were the cheapest but ultimately, they were the most honest, the most helpful and the most attentive in the sales process, and that showed right through installation. I'm very happy with my choice.” — Isaac in Brooklyn, New York 

      • “EmPower Solar's signup process was easy. … The price could be a little less, but installation was quick, easy and clean and they did a fantastic job. I have the app, and it's great because it tells me what I'm using and how much the panels are making. I have seen another app that does not do that. It just tells the user what the panels are making.” — Gregory in Jamaica, New York

      • “So far, EmPower did what they said they're gonna do… Even though they cost a little bit more than the competitor, the warranty, and the fact that everything is through them and not third parties, and the amount of the kilowatts they were putting into the home with the panels, and the technology of the panels far surpassed the competition. The app they provide is very simple and easy to read. As far as the bill, I never pay more than $24 a month to the electric company anymore. I'd highly recommend EmPower.” — Vishnuchan in East Northport

      EmPower Solar is more expensive than other solar companies in New York, but according to Scott in Bellmore, New York, it’s worth it.

      Scott’s only issue was confusion about the financing process: “Essentially, EmPower offers people to do two loans, a bridge loan, which gets paid off with the tax return, and the second loan that gets paid off over time. I was under the impression that both of those loans were 0% for the first 18 months, but it turned out that only the bridge loan was 0%. It really threw me for a loop at first, but once I called the financing company, they explained it and that was fine,” he told us.

      Similarly, Alicia & Mike in Farmingdale, New York, said their system cost $65,000, and there was confusion around what financial incentives they qualified for.

      EmPower Solar specializes in high-performance solar panel and battery system installations. Services are available throughout New York, Nassau, Suffolk, Queens Kings, Bronx and Richmond counties. Its Solar Design Center in Island Park is open to the public during regular business hours, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

      • Custom solar system design
      • Solar panel removal and reinstallation
      • Battery installations
      • EV charging solutions

      Panels come with warranties of 20 to 25 years. SunPower panels, which EmPower Solar uses, are backed by a comprehensive 25-year power and product warranty (considered one of the best in the industry). All systems also come with a 10-year workmanship warranty.

      Most customers either pay cash upfront or finance through a solar loan:

      • Solar loan: EmPower Solar works with third-party lenders to let customers finance their solar panel installations. These loans typically replace your existing electric bills with a fixed monthly payment that goes toward paying off the solar panel system.
      • Cash purchase: Cash purchases are an option if you can pay for the solar panel system outright. This can save the most money in the long run since no financing costs are involved.

      Pros

      • Great reviews
      • Local experience
      • High-quality solar equipment
      • Leak-free roof guarantee

      Cons

      • No in-house financing
      • Limited availability
      Our pick for solar leases

      Sunrun

      4.2
      3,032 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Solar panel warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2007

      Sunrun is a leading full-service installer with battery storage options. It offers personalized residential solar panel system design throughout New York. Reps start by looking at your past electricity bills to estimate your energy needs. After installation, you can track energy use and remotely control your system through the Curb app.

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

      • “Sunrun's reps were very helpful in every step and they answered all the questions very well. The process was very smooth. For the installation, they were on time and they installed the system very well. Since we went solar, the PCH bills are much lower.” — Farhana in Elmont, New York

      • I've had a good experience with Sunrun. I liked everything about the enrollment process. Everything was online and e-signature. The reps were also very open to my questions. They were very nice and polite. It has been up three months now and it has been running quite efficiently. My electric bill is just 20 bucks a month. I'm saving a lot of money.” — Lisa in Queens, New York

      • “… From the purchase to the install and to the follow-up, everything was excellent. They were very easy to deal with. One time, the electric company came in and turned off our power switch. I contacted Sunrun and they were excellent. They told me how to troubleshoot it right over the phone. I've had them since 2018 and I'm completely satisfied with them.” — Thomas in Ridge, New York

      Some customers, like Kenneth in Coram, New York, say they didn’t get the gift cards that reps promised. Others, like Venediktos in Fresh Meadows, New York, say that reps are great at making sales but technical support is hard to reach after the installation is complete. Daniel in West Sand Lake, New York, would like to see a little more stats on energy usage on the app.

      Sunrun is a solar installation company with certifications from the NABCEP and the SEIA. It pioneered solar-as-a-service models, making clean energy adoption accessible to homeowners through flexible purchase, leasing and payment plans without large upfront costs. Its Brightbox battery storage system works with both Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem lithium-ion batteries.

      • Accessible financing
      • Battery storage solutions
      • Monitoring and maintenance
      • EV charging solutions

      Sunrun has warranty coverage, system maintenance and a performance guarantee. The warranty covers workmanship and equipment for 10 years. The performance guarantee lasts 25 years. Leased systems typically come with free maintenance and repairs. It also has a 95% system performance guarantee. Sunrun also stands out by offering roof leak warranties.

      You can also pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun’s leasing plans are what really sets it apart from other solar options in New York:

      • Monthly plan: You can lease Sunrun panels for $0 or little down. Then, you pay a fixed monthly payment for the term of your leasing contract, typically 25 years.
      • Full amount lease: You can prepay for up to 25 years of solar energy.

      Pros

      • Long time in business
      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Daily system monitoring

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Limited price transparency
      Our pick for community solar

      CleanChoice Energy

      4.7
      58 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Solar panel warranty
      N/A
      Year founded
      2012

      CleanChoice Energy isn't a solar panel installer, but it works with people in Central Hudson, ConEd, National Grid, NYSEG, Orange & Rockland and RGE 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.

      Signing up is easy. Many customers appreciate the relatively low energy prices and pleasant customer service representatives. Your decision also helps increase the demand for renewable energy sources, leading to more development of solar and wind projects.

      • “CleanChoice is cheaper than what I had before. Their reps were also very pleasant and nice.” — Diane in Peekskill, New York

      • “So far, CleanChoice Energy has been fabulous. The enrollment process was very easy, and everybody was extremely polite and knew what they were talking about. They do their homework before they do anything, and they got the best price they could for me…. There was a slight change in the price from one year to the next, but it was highly acceptable. It's still less than what I was paying.” — Robert in Alden, New York

      • “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, New York

      • “I have not needed to use the customer service at CleanChoice Energy, which means they are doing something right. It is an absolutely terrific experience. There's no change in how you use the energy. It's still delivered to you. Where I am, NYSEG is simply the conduit. I've authorized them to buy the electricity from a green supplier.” — Michael in Brewster, New York

      You need your landlord’s approval to enroll with CleanChoice Energy if you're currently paying your own electric bill. If you live in an apartment or condo where units’ electricity usage is bundled into one bill, you have to convince the person who actually pays the utility bill to make the switch.

      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 in New York. Instead of getting your electricity from the default utility company in your area, CleanChoice can provide electricity sourced from wind and solar power that is generated in the region. Your local utility (e.g., ConEdison) still handles the poles, wires and infrastructure that brings power into your home.

      • Renewable energy supply
      • Community solar programs
      • Carbon offset options
      • Custom sustainability plans

      CleanChoice Energy has monthly, quarterly and annual memberships. Pricing plans may vary depending on the market conditions. It’s best to contract the company directly for the most accurate rate information in your area.

      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

      New York solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve heard from more than 500 verified solar customers from New York. A couple of things we know for sure: People like powering their homes with a reliable source of cheap, clean energy. They don’t like getting into solar contracts that don’t meet their expectations.

      Key insights

      • In New York, a typical 6-kilowatt residential solar panel system is $17,760 before any financial incentives. That price drops to $12,432 after considering the full federal solar investment tax credit.
      • The federal New York investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for buying solar panels in New York. You can also lease a system with little upfront cost, but you aren't eligible for the ITC.
      • Many solar customers are happy with the service, installation and cost savings. Others felt misled by pushy sales tactics. Watch out for door-to-door solar scams that attempt to gather your personal information, misleading claims, false advertising and aggressive sales tactics.

      Going solar in New York

      Look for installers with lots of experience in New York. They are better at navigating regional incentive programs, permit processes, utility policies and designing systems to maximize energy production given the state’s climate and weather patterns.

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

      How to choose a solar company in New York

      Solar panels last a long time — you want to hire a well-established company that will still be around for system support for at least 25 years. Here’s what to consider.

      • Good reputation: Don’t blindly trust what a sales rep tells you. Look at reviews on platforms like the ConsumerAffairs, Better Business Bureau and solar-specific forums to see real customer experiences. Look out for recurring complaints: equipment failures, misleading sales tactics and billing issues are major red flags.
      • Industry credentials: Legitimate solar companies have proper licensing, insurance and NABCEP certifications for installers. Before you hire a contractor, check their status on the NYSERDA database of quality solar installers. It gives special designations to solar companies that meet certain standards for a period of time.
      • Free consultation: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower quotes than others — this may indicate lower quality.
      • Complete services: The best solar companies provide end-to-end services, from system design and engineering to permitting, installation, inspection, monitoring and maintenance. Also consider if you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guard.
      • Transparent terms: The contract should be easy to understand. If anything about payment schedules, warranties, monitoring services or system maintenance doesn’t make sense — ask for clarification. Warranties and productivity guarantees provide peace of mind once your system is up and running.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      How much does it cost to go solar in New York?

      New York solar panel costs typically range between $10,360 to $29,600. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets.

      A typical New York household needs a 9.22 kW system to offset enough energy costs to make solar viable. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

      Average solar panel installation cost by system size in New York

      This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery — which sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence and essential if you go off-grid. Permitting, utility fees and maintenance also add to the cost of going solar.

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      Getting solar panels is similar to buying a car. You could pay cash, but many people finance their system through a solar loan. Leasing solar equipment is an attractive option for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system.

      New York also has legalized power purchase agreements (unlike many other states). PPAs work very similarly to leases. This biggest downside to both is that you’ll be disqualified from many of the best financial incentives, like the 30% federal solar tax credit. It also might make your house harder to sell, since a new buyer will have to take over the lease agreement.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in New York

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your solar energy system. This tax credit applies to both residential and commercial installations, and it includes the cost of the solar panels and other equipment, labor and additional features for monitoring the system.

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

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000. You don’t get these benefits automatically, though. You have to claim your solar equipment, labor and permits on your federal taxes for the same year you started using your system on Form 5695.

      Residents may take advantage of more solar incentives in New York, including property and sales tax exemptions, loan programs and statewide net metering.

      Are solar panels worth it in New York?

      We’ve talked to hundreds of New York residents who have already gone solar. Many reported significant savings on their electricity bills after installing solar panels. Some just appreciate the environmental benefits of using solar energy. For a lot of residents, it’s the combination that makes installing solar panels worth it in the long run.

      For example, Frank in Roslyn, New York, wanted to eliminate his “ever-growing electric bill with respect to energy consumption and rate hikes.” Frank got a bigger system than needed at the time, with the intention of upgrading their natural gas appliances to more energy-efficient electrical ones in the future.

      Similarly, Michael in Southampton, New York, said he went solar because “PSEG bills were getting expensive, so I wanted to save money. Given the demands of our modern world, I also wanted to find a way to improve my carbon footprint.”

      Going solar now also protects you from future energy cost increases. Pezhman in Jamaica, New York, said their “electric rate doubled since the year before but my bill stayed the same because of the solar.”

      But it doesn’t work out for everyone. Several factors determine if solar panels are truly worth it for New Yorkers, including initial installation costs, the orientation and shading of your roof and how long you plan to stay in your home.

      The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. On the bright side, once that’s paid for, solar panels can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills. For many, the long-term savings outweigh the upfront costs. For many in New York, the long-term savings outweigh the upfront costs within 6 years.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      PSEG bills were getting expensive, so I wanted to save money. Given the demands of our modern world, I also wanted to find a way to improve my carbon footprint.”
      — Michael, a solar energy customer in Southampton

      FAQ

      Can I get free solar panels in New York?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in New York. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels on my house?

      If you're a New Yorker looking to put solar panels on your home, you need a permit from your local government first. The good news is, the state has set up a standardized permitting process, so the rules and requirements are the same no matter which town or city you live in.

      Now, the fees for the permit can vary depending on where you are. That part is up to the local officials to decide. But the actual process of getting approved is pretty streamlined across the whole state. Just make sure to check with your city or town hall about the permit requirements and fees. They should walk you through the standardized process so you can get your solar project approved and installed without much hassle.

      What is the difference between a solar installer and a solar broker?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary that helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components.

      Ultimately, the choice between a solar broker and a solar installer comes down to how much you want to be involved in the process. Working with a broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, it’s best to hire an installer directly.

      Should I replace my roof before going solar?

      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 will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      Can I install solar panels myself?

      You can install solar panels yourself, but it’s best to know a little about solar panels and electrical work. Otherwise, you might get frustrated with the process or install something incorrectly.

      If you know what you’re doing, ShopSolar is a great place to buy solar equipment for do-it-yourself projects. We like that ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment, fast deliveries and good communication. The online company stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow, plus it sells custom solar kits. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      » DIY solar panels: Pros and cons

      What is the difference between a solar lease and a PPA?

      If you lease a solar system or enter a PPA, you don't own the panels, but you benefit from the cheap electricity they produce. The solar company that owns the system is responsible for maintaining it, so you don't have to worry about ongoing maintenance costs. The key difference is how you pay.

      • Lease: Entering a solar lease is basically renting a solar panel system. As with leasing a car, you pay a fixed amount every month over a set period of time, typically 25 years.
      • Power purchase agreement: With a PPA, you don't pay a fixed monthly price. You pay for the electricity the panels produce, usually at a fixed rate that’s lower than you would receive without a PPA.
      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      No, New York does not permit homeowners associations to restrict putting solar panels on your home.

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team objectively evaluates solar providers to highlight those best equipped to meet most homeowners' needs. To choose our top picks for this guide, we started with a list of popular providers. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Arizona. We then 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 the most positive recent ratings left by local reviewers on our site were given preference.

      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.

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

      Financing and payment options: 10%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Overall reputation: 10%
      We considered each company's history, mission and value. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect.

      To recap, our top picks for the best solar companies in New York:

      1. EmPower Solar: Our top pick overall
      2. Sunrun: Our pick for solar leases
      3. CleanChoice Energy: Our pick for renters

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

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

        1. DSIRE, "New York Programs." Accessed March 2, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, “The cost of solar panels in New York.” Accessed March 2, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), "New York Solar." Accessed March 2, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in New York, 2024?” Accessed March 2, 2024.
        5. Grid City Solar, “Solar Financing, Power Purchase Agreements, and SRECs in NYC.” Accessed April 15, 2024.
        6. Syracuse.com, “Solar energy company warns of possible door-to-door scam in CNY.” Accessed April 15, 2024.
        7. NYSERDA “New York Solar Guidebook for Local Governments: Solar PV - Permitting and Inspecting” Accessed April 11, 2024.

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