In our analysis, these solar installers stood out for their customer service, knowledge of the NYC market, and install quality.
When we researched solar for our home, we went way down the rabbit hole. I mean 80+ hours comparing solar companies, PV panel brands, inverters, battery backup, everything. We quickly realized two things: 1) There are a ton of options out there, and 2) Choosing the right solar installer can mean faster installation, fewer hurdles with permitting, high quality design with higher output, and a fun experience.
Read on to see our picks for the best solar companies in NYC, with our analysis of what you need to get the right setup for your home.
We’ve been a fan of these guys for years, because of their ability to speed through NYC solar permitting, outstanding customer service, and beautiful rooftop solar designs.Best Solar Companies in New York City
- Brooklyn SolarWorks
- Empower Solar
- Venture Solar
- Sea Bright Solar
- Surf Clean Energy
- YSG Solar
- Trinity Solar
Let’s look at the companies in detail and why they are the best in New York City.
Brooklyn SolarWorks
Brooklyn SolarWorks has existed for less than a decade but has already established itself as one of the best in solar panel installations in New York City. It has managed to achieve this status in various ways.
The most notable one is the targeted areas or markets. Most solar installers prefer to work in less populated neighborhoods with sparse stand-alone homes. This is not the case with Brooklyn SolarWorks. The firm likes to operate in dense residential areas that its competitors tend to avoid.
By bridging this gap, Brooklyn SolarWorks has helped homeowners and businesses in high-density communities go green with solar and enjoy the many related benefits. In the process, it has managed to cement its place as one of the best providers in New York City.
The company’s experience with solar installation on flat roofs, common in urban areas, is another aspect that allows it to stand out. Its team clearly understands the various rules and regulations that might affect solar panel installation on a flat roof. This allows them to come up with the best designs that ensure panels are well installed and safe.
More on why Brooklyn SolarWorks is among the best solar companies in New York City;
- They have competitive prices, depending on the system size.
- It supports several financing options, including cash and financing over 20 years.
- It offers a warranty of 30 years for both solar panels and inverters.
- They have a showroom where you learn more about solar energy before committing.
EmPower Solar
The solar company operates in Long Island and greater New York City areas. There are several reasons why the installer is one of the best in NYC.
First, Empower Solar specializes in residential, commercial, and community solar works. In addition, the company provides EV charging services that allow you to use your systems to power electric cars.
The wide range of solar energy solutions is proof that the installer is committed to clean energy.
Second, Empower Solar uses the best products in the market to set up solar systems. This includes the Tesla Powerwall and SunPower solar panels, known for their high performance and durability.
Third, unlike most solar companies in New York that are after making a profit, Empower Solar focuses on the customers.
This allows them to look at your energy needs more carefully instead of rushing to install solar panels on your roof. They then use the information to develop a customized designed solar system.
Here are more qualities that allow Empower Solar to stand out;
- It has a highly-skilled and experienced team, ensuring high-quality designs and solar installations.
- It has operated for nearly 20 years, which indicates consistency and excellence.
Venture Solar
The company’s offices are located in Brooklyn, New York., and its among the largest installers in the country. This is because in addition to New York state, it also serves Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, among other states.
What makes Venture Solar one of the best installers in New York City?
First, the company focuses on top performance. Due to this, they have a team of experts who assess, design, and develop customized systems that are consistent with your energy needs.
Prioritizing on performance also ensures that only the best equipment are used at every solar installation stage. This then guarantees high output and durability, making you power independent.
Second, Venture Solar targets the best aesthetic. The company understands the importance of leaving your roof looking beautiful after installing solar panels. Thus, their team installs perfectly symmetrical arrays with no visible conduits or cables. You then end up with the best-looking installation.
Third, unlike most installers, the company provides solar systems with remote monitoring capability. This enables you to monitor the performance of your system from anywhere using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Here are more reasons to consider hiring Venture Solar:
- 25-year product warranty
- Quick turnaround time…one-day system installation.
- Good reviews
Sea Bright Solar
Sea Bright Solar is among the most decorated providers in New York, as shown by the awards they have received over the years.
The most notable ones include being named SunPower regional dealer of the year twice and receiving a Lifetime Achievement award. SunPower is one of the best solar panel companies. Thus, such honors are proof that Sea Bright Solar is one of the best in New York City.
But what has contributed to Sea Bright Solar being recognized as one of the leading installers?
The first reason is the company’s focus on the best solar technology. This ensures that they are up to date with the latest trends in the solar market. As a result, they end up using only the most efficient equipment when installing your solar system. This then guarantees the best result.
Second, the installer has combined their love for the best technology with unsurpassed design and craftsmanship made possible by a certified and experienced in-house team. The combination ensures you get the best services from the consultation stage to the installation and handing over of the system.
Third, the provider has diversified its services to cover all areas relating to solar energy. The range of services includes residential and commercial solar, EV charging, maintenance, re-roofing, and power backup. Thus, with Sea Bright Solar, you get all your solar needs sorted under one roof.
The company also qualifies as one of the highly rated solar companies in New York because;
· They offer a 25-year warranty
· Has solar financing plans
· Are also licensed as an electrical contractor
Surf Clean Energy
Surf Clean Energy started in New York state but has continued to expand to other regions such as Illinois, New Jersey, and Florida. The provider boasts of being the first company to install solar panels on a 3D-printed home.
Surf Clean Energy is among the leading solar companies in New York City because of its commitment to educating potential clients about solar energy. Unlike most providers, it does not focus on selling so that they can be hired for solar projects.
Instead, their team makes sure you first understand the benefits of going green with solar power. The areas they educate customers on include how much you will save on electric bill in the short-term and long-term. This helps you to make better decisions knowing that solar power is an investment with many benefits to you and the community.
Surf Clean Energy has various financing options that favor you regardless of your financial capability. The financing options fall under two categories that are purchasing and leasing. With these options and the various incentives offered in New York, you can easily move to solar without much struggle.
The solar provider also has one of the best backup battery solutions. This is made possible by using the best batteries from leading manufacturers such as Tesla and LG.
Here are more things you should know about Surf Clean Energy;
· It offers smart home technology that allows you to monitor your solar system
· Completes your system in 1-3 days
YSG Solar
YSG Solar is one of the few locally owned providers in New York City. The company has completed over 1000 installations, which have left customers proud of the decision to go green with solar energy.
Among the areas YSG Solar serves in greater New York City are Queens, Orange County, and the Bronx.
Among the reasons we decided to include YSG Solar on the list is their commitment to providing the highest quality solar equipment at a friendly price. This allows you to get the best system for your home without incurring unnecessarily high costs.
The company also understands that a modern and high-quality system should be easy for the user to monitor. That is why they integrate each installation with the best energy management system. This allows you to monitor the performance of the whole solar installation while at home and even remotely using your phone or tablet.
Another characteristic that makes YSG solar one of the leading providers is transparency. The company ensures you understand every aspect of the whole process and makes sure there are no hidden costs.
Furthermore, it does not sub-contract any of its solar works. This ensures that professionals complete your project. You then end with a high-quality solar design that allows you to start enjoying returns on your investment early.
Here are more reasons why YSG Solar is one of the best solar companies in New York City;
· It has highly trained designers, engineers, and installers.
· It uses solar products from American-based Tier 1 manufacturers.
· It gives each customer a 25-year power production guarantee.
Trinity Solar
Trinity Solar is a family-owned business that has been operating for more than 28 years. This makes it one of the oldest providers on this list. Our analysis of the solar company revealed many reasons why it is one of the best in New York City.
The first reason is the many years of operation and the total number of projects completed. The provider has been in existence since 1994 and therefore knows what works and what does not.
This is one of the reasons they have managed to install thousands of solar systems in New York and other eight states.
According to the company’s website, they have worked with over 70,000 homeowners in its 28 years of operation. This translates to a remarkable experience in solar works and indicates they are a reliable organization. That is why they have been trusted by thousands who have gone solar over the years.
The second reason is that the company is a family-owned business. One of the advantages of working with such an enterprise is their dedication to providing the best services. This is meant to help preserve and build the family image.
That is why Trinity solar provides individualized attention to its customers. This results in installing customized and high-performing solar systems in your home. They also ensure you get all the necessary support afterward.
Other qualities that make Trinity Solar one of the best in New York are;
· The provider has A+ BBB accreditation.
· Has low-cost financing options.
· It provides a 25-year warranty.
· Their dedication to a sustainable planet
How We Calculated the Top Solar Companies in New York City
We combed the web and did a deep dive into all the solar installers in New York. We read and averaged reviews from multiple websites, and dug up warranties, accreditations, financing options, product options, experience, employee satisfaction, and more.
We looked at the following factors when choosing solar installers:
- Reviews
- Do they have NABCEP accreditation?
- How do their warranties look?
- Do they offer financing options?
- Do they offer product options?
- Do they use quality products?
- How long have they been in business?
- How many customers have they serviced?
- How many employees do they have?
- How is their employee satisfaction?
- Company website
How to Choose the Top Solar Installer
If you are going solar and want to own one of the best solar installations in New York, make sure you identify and hire the right solar company. To find the best installer;
- Read up on the solar installer’s reviews and client testimonials
- Find out about the warranties offered
- Check the solar installer’s credentials and accreditations
- Ask for the turnaround time
- Look for customized solar designs
- Decide whether you want a national or local solar installation company.
- Get multiple quotes. Get a quote from at least 3 solar companies.
We’ve been a fan of these guys for years, because of their ability to speed through NYC solar permitting, outstanding customer service, and beautiful rooftop solar designs.NY Solar Energy Incentives
Federal ITC
New York residents can take advantage of the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your total income tax liability. If your solar system costs $10,000, you could claim a $3,000 credit on the federal taxes you owe. The incentive carries forward multiple years in case your federal tax liability is low.
Other solar financial incentives to look for (not available in every state) when going solar:
- State tax credits
- Net metering
- SRECs – Solar Renewable Energy Certificates
- Utility companies sometimes offer incentives
- City and county-level incentives
- Tax exemptions – sales and property value increase
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in New York City?
The average cost of solar panels (including installation) in New York is $2.89 per watt. The average cost of a 5kW solar panel system in New York is $14,400, and $10,656 after the federal tax credit.
Average payback period: 7 years
Average 20-year savings: $38,000
Factors that determine the total cost of Solar Systems in New York City
- Size of the system
- Quality of solar equipment used by the installer
- Nature of the solar company
- Solar incentives, tax credits, and rebates
- Solar financing options
- Payback period
- Electricity rates in New York
- Roof condition
- Home value increase
New York Solar Energy Facts
- Solar Installed (MW): 4,041
- Enough Solar Installed to Power: 669,662 homes
- National Ranking: 9th (9th in 2021)
- Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 3.9%
- Solar Jobs in NY: 10,524
Data current through Q3 2022
Source: seia.org
