New York City is one of the USA’s busiest metros, with a population of 8.336 million, which means a higher cost of living compared to other cities. To reduce this cost of living, a person can install solar panels on their property in New York, as the state receives an average of 234 days of sunlight per year, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
The question you might be asking yourself is, why solar? And how can you find good installers to perform the installation in the most efficient and cost-friendly way? Well, the answer to the first question is that solar is a lightweight, eco-friendly, and cost-effective choice that’s easy to install. As for the second question, we will discuss that below in the article.
Top 5 Best Solar Panel Companies in New York
1. SunPower
Average Cost: $2.65 to $4.20 per watt
Pros:
- Provides two flexible solar lease plans
- Provides 24/7 customer support
- Offers panels insurance plans to protect against theft or damage
- 25-year product and performance warranty
- Strong customer support
Cons:
- Solar battery options differ depending on your location
- Don’t have pricing information Online
- Higher upfront cost
- Limited availability in some regions
- Not DIY-friendly (requires certified installers)
- Smaller product range compared to competitors
Customer Reviews:
“I can’t believe we waited so long to switch to SunPower! The installation was a breeze, and the team was friendly and informative. Our energy bills are down, and it feels great to be using clean energy. Plus, the sleek panels look amazing on our roof. Truly a worthwhile investment!” – Sarah Davis
SunPower has been operating in the USA for about 37 years, making it a trustworthy choice. The company provides some of the most efficient solar panels with high quality and reliability, in partnership with Maxeon.
2. Tesla
Average Cost: $3.00 to $4.00 per watt
Pros:
- Innovative and trusted brand
- Integrated with Tesla Powerwall for Outages
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Inconsistent customer service
- Installation delays
- Limited panel options
- Availability issues in some regions
Customer Reviews:
“After installing a Tesla Solar Roof, I’m thrilled with how my home looks—it’s a stylish upgrade! Not only does it enhance curb appeal, but I’m also enjoying free electricity, significantly lowering my energy bills. This decision has truly transformed my living experience! Thanks, Tesla team!” – Ciro Torres
The best thing about Tesla is their innovative and minimal solar panel designs, which maintain the aesthetic appeal of the property. They offer energy independence with high-quality, long-lasting, and reliable systems.
3. Momentum Solar
Average Cost: $2.50 and $3.12 per watt
Pros:
- Offers custom solar solutions tailored to individual needs.
- Provides comprehensive services, including installation and financing.
- Competitive warranties on panels and installations.
- High ratings for customer service and support.
- Utilizes advanced technology in solar products.
Cons:
- Limited service availability in specific states.
- Pricing may be higher than some competitors.
- Mixed customer reviews regarding follow-up service.
- Longer-than-expected installation timelines reported.
- Financing options can be complex and require careful review.
Customer Reviews:
“Momentum Solar recently installed my solar system, and I’m thrilled with the results! The team was professional and answered all my questions, making the process smooth. I did face a minor delay with the paperwork, but their customer service was responsive and kept me updated.” – Axton Rivers
Momentum Solar is keeping their customers satisfied by providing them with efficient products and customer services. They have created such a huge name for them in a short time because of it.
4. Solar Industry Watch
Average Cost: $2.50 to $3.80 per watt
Pros:
- Utilizes the latest solar technologies.
- Focus on customer satisfaction and strong relationships.
- Knowledge of regional incentives and regulations.
- Offers custom solar solutions tailored to individual needs.
- Wide variety of solar panel choices
- Smooth installation
Cons:
- Availability issues in some regions
- Longer-than-expected installation timelines reported
Customer Reviews:
“My experience with Solar Industry Watch was fantastic! Their professional team provided tailored solar solutions and completed the installation seamlessly. I’ve seen a significant reduction in my energy bills and feel great about my choice to go solar with them!” – Xiao Chen
With 15 years of experience in the solar industry, they have developed a strong reputation. They provide efficient solar solutions and exceptional customer support, and the systems they install have consistently received positive reviews from clients.
5. Sunrun
Average Cost: $2.95 to $3.93 per watt
Pros:
- Variety of financing options available
- No upfront costs for many customers
- Comprehensive end-to-end services
- Advanced solar technology and battery solutions
- Flexible contract terms
Cons:
- Limited service availability in some states
- Long-term contracts can be burdensome
- Higher overall costs with leases or PPAs
- Performance varies by location and roof conditions
Customer Reviews:
“I had a solar panel system installed by Sunrun, and the experience was fantastic. The team was professional and efficient, and my electricity bills have significantly decreased since the installation. Highly recommend Sunrun for anyone considering solar!” – Cora Maeve
The SunRun covers more than 15 states, providing a wide range of solar panels for systems. With more than 15 years of company age, they have won customers’ trust with the help of professional staff, their services, and high-quality products.
How to Choose a Solar Company in New York?
There are several factors that you should be considering while choosing a solar company for installation:
- Quality & Reliability: When selecting a solar company, ensure you choose one that offers high-quality standards and reliable products to ensure the longevity of the system and long-term energy efficiency.
- Solar Panels Efficiency: The best practice is to check the efficiency and quality of the solar panels, as these are the aspects you will be purchasing. Good efficiency translates to more clean energy over a longer period.
- Customer Support: What concerns many people the most when making such a significant decision is whether the company provides good customer support before and after installation. So, make sure to choose wisely.
- Warranty Policies: In the solar industry, most companies offer a good warranty period of 20 to 25 years. Some of them even offer 30 years of performance warranty. But the best choice would be choosing one with both material and performance warranty up to 20 years.
- Experienced & Educated Staff: Choosing a company with educated and experienced staff ensures the smooth installation and longevity of the solar system. Studies show that professionally installed systems last up to 25-30% longer than DIY installations, with fewer maintenance issues and improved efficiency.
- Review & Rating by Past Customers: The factor which defines the image of the company is their past customers reviews about them. Search on the internet, articles, or if needed you should visit the nearest installation the company has done.
- Affordability: Well it’s recommended to always choose quality over price but if you are getting affordable offers for quality then you can go with these options.
Are Solar Panels Worth it in New York?
New York has one of the highest costs of living as compared to other cities. If you are living in New York it can really be a good decision to go solar. As it saves on energy bills, solar increases property value, helps to get energy independence, and is a renewable way of generating energy.
Electricity Cost in New York
New York has higher energy cost than average in the U.S, with residential from 23 to 25 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to the national average ranging from 14 to 20 cents in 2024, which means in the last year New Yorkers paid approximately $145 monthly for electricity, while the U.S. average was around $122.
The reason is that New York has a large population. And the sources they use to generate electricity are (40%) natural gas and (30%) nuclear power.
New York now has the aim of achieving 70% of its electricity from renewable resources such as solar, water, and wind turbines.
How to Get Free Solar Panels in New York?
There are multiple solar companies in New York City, and the state but there is not even one of them who is offering free solar panels to customers. However, there are programs such as Power Purchase Agreements, and Solar Leases that allow the People to use Solar panels with no upfront cost. In these programs, you have to pay a fixed amount to the Companies for the electricity generated by the panels installed in your place. Which is comparatively lower than the grid electricity.
New York State Solar Panel Incentives
There are Multiple active solar incentives and rebates in New York and if claimed can reduce your system cost in half.
1. Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
This solar incentive is available in all states through the federal government, which pays for 30% of the total system installation cost. You should hurry up now, as this incentive is going to drop to 26% in 2032 and further after that.
2. New York Solar Energy System Equipment Credit
This is a tax credit available to homeowners and businesses in New York that install solar energy systems. This credit allows you to receive up to 25% of the total installation cost as a tax credit on your state income taxes. This incentive can help significantly reduce your overall investment in solar energy.
3. NY-Sun Megawatt Block Incentive
The program provides cash incentives ranging from $0.20 to $0.60 per watt for solar photovoltaic (PV) system installations depending on the size and location. For instance, a typical 6 kW residential system could receive incentives between $1,200 and $3,600.
4. Sales Tax Exemption
Solar system installation equipment is costly but by availing this incentive you can exempt a total of 4% from it. Saving you approximately $2,002 on average for a typical installation.
5. Energy Conservation Improvements Property Tax Exemption
If you install a solar system on your property, it will increase its value by up to 4%. The good thing is that there will be no additional tax on the increased value for 15 years following the installation of the solar system.
6. Net Metering
Net Metering allows solar owners to receive credits for excess energy fed back into the grid, reducing future utility bills.
7. NYSERDA Residential Financing Options
This program offers low-interest loans, flexible payment plans, and incentives to make solar energy more affordable. Homeowners can access loans of up to $25,000 with repayment terms of up to 15 years.
Solar Panels Cost in New York
If you have read all the articles above, you might be wondering how much a complete solar system will cost you. On average, a 15 kW solar system installation in New York costs about $20,000 to $35,000, depending on factors such as equipment quality, installation complexity, and available incentives. This means you will be paying about $2.86 per watt on average for residential systems.
FAQs
How much does solar cost in New York?
Ans. For an 8kW solar system in New York, the cost typically ranges from $16,000 to $24,000 after tax incentives. The average cost per watt is between $2.50 and $3.00. Exact prices depend on system size and installation specifics.
Are Solar Worth it in New York?
Ans. Yes, solar energy is worth it in New York, especially if you have a suitable roof that can capture sunlight effectively. On average, New York receives approximately 2,535 to 2,800 hours of sunlight each year.
Which is the best solar company in New York?
Ans. SunPower is the best and largest solar company operating in New York State compared to other solar companies. Ultimately, however, it depends on the customer’s needs and budget when choosing the right option for them.
Permits needed to install solar systems in New York?
Ans. In New York, installing solar systems generally requires a building permit and an electrical permit from your local municipality. If there are significant structural changes or zoning variances, additional approvals may be necessary. Always verify specific requirements with your local building department.
How to find the best solar company?
Ans. The best way to find out which company is best is to read ratings and reviews from their past customers before moving to the next step. Then, you can get multiple quotes and services from different providers and check their certifications and experience in the industry. It’s important to ensure they offer comparable warranties and after-sales support. A reputable company should have a strong track record and positive customer feedback.
