There’s no shortage of solar companies in New York. So we figured, why not save you some time? We researched the local residential solar installers and read through hundreds of reviews.
These residential solar companies made the cut because they do good work consistently. They understand New York’s solar scene, they’re responsive when issues pop up, and their customers tend to be happy. Worth a conversation if you’re serious about solar energy for residential homes.
Find the Best Solar Installers in New York
PlugPV review 875 Broadway, Albany NY, 12207
Kasselman Solar review 279 Broadway Building 2 Menands, NY 12204
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Kasselman Solar, which concentrates on serving fewer than 1 state. With a foundation dating read more…
Kasselman Solar review 279 Broadway, Menands NY, 12204
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Kasselman Solar, which concentrates on serving fewer than 1 state. With a foundation dating read more…
AEC Solar review 210 Washington Ave Ext, Albany, NY 12203, United States
AEC Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
High Peaks Solar, LLC review 180 Main Avenue, Wynantskill, NY 12198, New York City, New York, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, High Peaks read more…
PlugPV review 630 7th Ave Troy, NY 12182
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, PlugPV is read more…
Albany Solar Solutions review 15 Farrell Rd, Troy NY, 12180
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Albany Solar read more…
New England Solar + Green review 65 North St, Williamstown, MA 01267, United States
New England Solar + Green is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 read more…
Power Guru review 160 Benmont Ave, Bennington, VT 05201
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Power Guru read more…
Apex Solar Power review 64 Main Street Queensbury, NY 12804
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Apex Energy read more…
SunCommon review 1155 Flatbush Rd, Kingston NY, 12401
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, SunCommon is read more…
Valley Solar review 116 Pleasant St Suite 321, Easthampton, MA 01027, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Valley Solar read more…
Insight Solar review 59C North St., Hatfield MA, 01038
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Insight Solar read more…
SunBug Solar review 66 Westfield Industrial Park Rd, Westfield MA, 01085
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Sunbug Solar, which concentrates on serving fewer than 1 state. With a foundation dating read more…
Earthlight Technologies review 25 Main Street #338A, Northampton MA, 01060
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Earthlight, which concentrates on serving fewer than 3 states. With a foundation dating back read more…
All Energy Solar review 66-D Mainline Dr, Westfield MA, 01085
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, All Energy read more…
All Energy Solar review 66-D Main Line Drive, Westfield MA, 01085
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, All Energy read more…
Kasselman Solar review 3 Neptune Rd, Poughkeepsie NY, 12601
Our Expert Choice badge goes to Kasselman Solar, which concentrates on serving fewer than 1 state. With a foundation dating read more…
New York State Solar Farm review 1938 Route 44 55, Modena, NY 12548
Our Expert Choice badge goes to New York State Solar Farm, which concentrates on serving fewer than 1 state. With read more…
PlugPV review 1075 NY-82, Hopewell Junction NY, 12533
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, PlugPV is read more…
How Much Can Residential Solar Panels Save You in New York?
There’s no simple answer to how much you’ll save with solar power for residential homes in New York – it really depends on your situation. Your utility company’s billing structure matters, as does the size of the residential solar power system your roof can handle and how much electricity your household uses. Most installers will try to cover all your energy needs, but your actual savings depend on your home’s unique setup.
Before incentives, expect to pay somewhere between $15,000 and $30,000 for a typical residential solar installation in New York. The exact cost depends on your residential solar energy system size and energy requirements.
Want an estimate just for you? Fill out the form on our website, try a solar calculator, or consult with a couple of local residential solar installers for a personalized savings calculation.
Solar Financing Explained for Residential Solar Systems
You’ve got several ways to pay for solar panels:
- Cash
- Solar loans from installers
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar leases or PPAs
Paying Cash: Cash gives you the best long-term savings and the lowest overall cost for your residential solar power system. But let’s be real – not everyone has $15,000 to $20,000 sitting in the bank. If you want to own your system but can’t pay up front, financing is your next option.
Getting a Loan: Personal loans, home equity lines, or installer-offered solar loans all work. Just watch out for the fine print – loans come with interest and fees. Many solar loans include dealer fees that can bump up your total residential solar installation cost by 20% or more (they offset this with lower interest rates). Smart move? Compare dealer fees and rates between different residential solar companies before signing anything.
Don’t skip this: ask for their cost per watt. That’s your real comparison tool when residential solar energy system sizes vary between installers.
Leasing or PPAs: Some businesses let you rent or buy power with no money down. It sounds great, doesn’t it? The catch is that you don’t own the panels, so you can’t get rebates or federal incentives. Also, the monthly payments to the solar company take money out of your savings.
Get detailed savings projections from installers before deciding. Even with financing costs, you’ll typically still pay less for electricity than you do now. Understanding all your options – including available federal and state programs – helps you make the smartest financial choice for your residential solar energy system.
Discover Your Solar Savings in 60 Seconds
Get instant estimates powered by Google Solar API – See your roof's energy potential, cost savings, and environmental impact
Cost of Solar Panels in New York
In 2026, the cost of solar panels for a home solar panel system will range between $17,000 and $35,000 before including any subsidies. How much do solar panels cost ultimately depends on the size of your system and the equipment you pick. Most folks end up with something in the 6–10 kW range for their residential solar installation.
Here's what solar panel prices look like across different system sizes in New York. The residential solar cost per watt ranges from $2.78 to $3.70 depending on system specifications and installation complexity:
| System Size | Cost Before Incentives | Cost Per Watt | Cost After State Incentives* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $13,900 - $18,500 | $2.78 - $3.70 | $8,900 - $13,500 | |
| 6 kW | $16,680 - $22,200 | $2.78 - $3.70 | $11,680 - $17,200 | |
| 8 kW | $22,240 - $29,600 | $2.78 - $3.70 | $17,240 - $24,600 | |
| 10 kW | $27,800 - $37,000 | $2.78 - $3.70 | $22,800 - $32,000 | |
| Pricing Disclaimer: The solar panel prices shown are estimates based on data collected from online sources as of January 2026. Actual costs may vary based on your location, system specifications, and installer. | ||||
*Includes NY State tax credit (up to $5,000) and estimated NY-Sun incentives where available.
How much are solar panels for a regular house in New York? For an 8 kW system (the average cost of a residential solar system for typical energy consumption), you could expect to spend between $22,240 and $29,600 up front. This includes the equipment, labor, permits, and grid connection. Your real out-of-pocket cost to install solar panels goes down to around $17,240–$24,600 when you factor in state subsidies.
The cost of solar panels in New York varies depending on where you are in the state. NYC and Long Island installations tend to run higher because of labor costs and more complex permitting. Upstate installations typically have more competitive pricing from residential solar installers.
New York Solar Incentives and Rebates
New York still offers valuable solar incentives that can significantly reduce the cost of solar panel installation and your upfront solar panel cost.
New York State Solar Tax Credit
The state gives a 25% credit, to a maximum of $5,000. You can claim this if purchased or leased, although lease packages might determine how the credit is taken.
NY-Sun Initiative
Residential solar panels are incentivized through the NY-Sun program of NYSERDA on a first-come, first-served schedule. These solar incentives range based on where you are and what is available—for instance, Upstate is offering $0.20 per watt now, and some areas like Con Edison have limited residential incentives remaining. The current availability for your particular region can be checked through NYSERDA's MW Block dashboards.
Affordable Solar Program
If your household income is at or below 80% of the area median, then there are additional incentives that can make solar even more economical. Affordable Solar participants can receive $0.40–$0.80 per watt depending on region.
Net Metering
Additional power your panels generate is fed back onto the grid, and the power company buys it, reducing your monthly bill (or eliminating it). New York is transitioning to a Value of Distributed Energy Resources (VDER) tariff in some areas, which calculates credits based on factors including energy value, environmental value, and locational system relief value.
Property Tax Exemption
The value of your property increases with solar, but your property taxes do not. That's written into New York law for 15 years.
NYC Property Tax Abatement
New York City homeowners can claim the Solar Electric Generating System (SEGS) Tax Abatement, worth 7.5% of your solar installation cost each year for four years—a total benefit of up to 30% of your system cost (capped at $62,500 per year).
When you combine these solar incentives, you can reduce your total upfront system cost by 40–50%. That kind of reduction really changes the math on return on investment.
Electricity Costs in New York
New York's electricity rates are notoriously high—consistently ranking among the most expensive in the nation. Currently, most New York residents pay around 24–27 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
If you're in New York City, rates are even steeper at around 31 cents per kWh. Compare that to the national average of about 20 cents, and you can see why so many New Yorkers are interested in alternatives.
The typical household here uses 600–800 kWh monthly, which translates to electric bills in the $150–260 range or higher. Those rates keep climbing—infrastructure costs and regulatory factors push them up year after year.
That's exactly why solar panels in New York make so much financial sense. When you're paying premium rates for electricity, the savings from solar energy for residential homes stack up fast, and you recoup your investment much quicker than you would in states with cheaper power.
Specific Considerations for New York Solar
Solar Irradiance and Climate
New York's weather does support solar effectively. The state gets 3.5–4.5 peak sun hours daily depending on location. While it's not Arizona, it's more than enough for solid electricity production. Modern panels work surprisingly well even on cloudy days. Solar panels actually perform better in cooler temperatures, which plays to New York's advantage.
Permitting and Interconnection
New York has made real progress here. Most municipalities now follow standardized procedures, though you'll still see some variation from place to place. NYSERDA publishes a comprehensive Solar Guidebook that walks you through the process. Getting connected to the grid and setting up net metering is pretty straightforward in most areas. New York City is the exception—the Department of Buildings has its own set of requirements that are more involved than elsewhere in the state.
Regional Variations
Where you live in New York matters for cost for residential solar panels. Upstate installations tend to be simpler and cheaper. The metro areas—especially NYC and Long Island— have more hoops to jump through, but the tradeoff is those higher electricity rates that make the economics work even better. The key is working with experienced residential solar companies who know your local area inside and out.
Timeline Expectations
Installation Timeframe
The whole process, from your first consult all the way through to your system activation, takes anywhere from 2 to 4 months, although this is subject to change. Here is how it adjusts roughly:
- Initial meeting and site visit: about a week to ten days
- Design and proposal preparation: another week or two
- Permitting: usually 2–6 weeks, depending on location
- Installation: 1–3 days
- Utility interconnection and inspection: 2–4 weeks
Permit Processing
Standard residential installations usually get approved within 2–6 weeks. Simple projects with efficient procedures at the municipality level might go through within 2–3 weeks. Difficult cases—historic districts, multi-unit residential, or properties located within the City of New York—could require 6–8 weeks or longer due to additional requirements.
Factors Influencing Timeline
Several factors can expedite or defer your timeline. Local permitting offices get backed up at different times. Spring and summer are busy seasons with more demand. System complexity matters. Some utility interconnection processes move faster than others. Installers with solid contacts at permitting authorities and utilities can usually complete things faster. A good provider should offer you a realistic timeframe upfront and keep you updated as things progress.
Are Solar Panels Worth It in New York?
For the vast majority of homeowners, solar is a smart investment in New York. You've got the combination of high electricity rates, valuable state incentives, and decent sunshine that makes New York one of the strongest solar markets in the country. But are solar panels worth it in New York for your specific situation?
Financial Benefits
How much does it cost to install solar panels, and when will you see returns? The cost of a residential solar system varies, but most New York homeowners hit their break-even point somewhere between 8–14 years, with 10–11 years being typical. After that, you're generating free electricity for another 15–20+ years, since most systems last 25–30 years total. Over the full lifespan, you're looking at $20,000–$60,000 in savings, sometimes more depending on your system size, electricity rates, and energy usage.
Energy Independence
Electricity rates in New York have historically gone up 2–4% every year. Once you've got solar, you're insulated from those increases. You're producing your own power and relying less on the grid.
Environmental Impact
A typical residential solar system in New York offsets about 3–5 tons of CO₂ annually. That's equivalent to planting 100–150 trees every year. With New York's aggressive renewable energy targets, your installation contributes directly to those climate goals.
Home Value
How much does a residential solar system cost versus the value it adds? Solar adds $15,000–$20,000 to your home's value on average, often offsetting much of the installation cost. Buyers will pay more for homes with solar already installed. And remember that property tax exemption—you get that increased value without the increased tax bill.
Best Candidates
Residential solar panels are an excellent option if you:
- Use a lot of power
- Have a south-facing roof with minimal shade
- Expect to remain in your house for at least five years
- Have sufficient roof space for your system
Even if you don't check every box, the economics in New York are strong enough that solar still makes sense for most homeowners.
Solar is appealing to most New Yorkers because it saves money, helps the environment, makes electricity more secure, and raises property values. With current state incentive levels and how far the technology has come, this is still a strong time to make the switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do We Rank Residential Solar Installers?
Picking a solar installer shouldn’t be a guessing game. We built our rating system to help homeowners make informed solar decisions and avoid common pitfalls in the industry.
Here’s how it works: 5-star system, plain and simple. Five stars means a company is legitimately excellent – the kind you’d recommend to your own family. One star? Run away. We wouldn’t touch them with a ten-foot pole, and neither should you. Our ratings pull from everywhere – EnergySage, SolarReviews, BBB, Google Reviews, Yelp, ConsumerAffairs, Trustpilot, the works. But we’re not just averaging star ratings like some algorithm. We read the actual reviews. Are they consistently delivering what they promise, or just occasionally getting lucky?
What Actually Matters When We Evaluate Residential Solar Companies?
- Years in business. Five minimum. Non-negotiable. If a company’s been around less than that, they haven’t weathered any real challenges yet. And think about it – solar panels last 25-30 years. You need an installer who’s built their business model around supporting customers long-term, not just showing up for installation day and disappearing.
- Local vs. national – and it’s not even close. Check the numbers yourself. Local residential solar installers consistently get better reviews than the big chains. Their reputation actually matters because word spreads fast in local communities. They know the permit process in New York specifically. They understand your local utility company’s quirks and requirements.
- Hands-on experience. Residential solar energy companies that have hundreds of installations behind them move differently. They’ve seen every bizarre roof situation. They know exactly how to handle older homes with outdated electrical wiring. First-time installers? They’re figuring it out as they go – on your roof, with your money.
- Who’s actually doing the work? Some companies use their own crews. Others outsource everything to whoever’s available. Guess which ones deliver better quality? When residential solar energy companies employ their own installation teams, those workers know they’re accountable. Something breaks later? You call the company, and they send the same team that did the original work. With subcontractors, you’re lucky if you can track down who actually touched your system.
- What people actually say. We check SolarReviews, BBB, Google, Yelp – anywhere real customers leave feedback. But star ratings alone don’t tell the whole story. How does a company handle a one-star review? Do they fix the problem or argue with the customer? Customer reviews show what really happens after you sign the contract.
- Licenses and certifications. Should be obvious, but apparently it’s not. Licensed, insured, NABCEP certified if possible (that’s the actual gold standard for residential solar panel installers, not marketing fluff). Companies cutting corners on basic credentials – what else are they skimping on?
- Equipment quality swings wildly. Good residential solar energy companies stock equipment from solid manufacturers – SunPower, LG, Panasonic, Canadian Solar, brands like that. Lower-tier installers? They push whatever vendor gave them the best wholesale price this quarter, regardless of quality. Ask them straight up: “What brands do you install and why those specifically?” Watch how they answer. That’ll tell you if they prioritize system performance or profit margins.
- Payment options. The best residential solar companies give you real choices – loans, leases, PPAs – and actually walk you through what makes sense for your situation. Huge red flag: companies that only offer one financing option. Usually means it’s structured to maximize their profit, not your savings.
- Warranties separate the pros from the amateurs. Look for 10-12 years on workmanship, minimum. Strong performance guarantees. Your residential solar power system costs serious money. It better have protection beyond the basic manufacturer’s warranty on the panels themselves.
Our Classification System: What the Tags Mean?
We label companies to save you research time:
- Expert Choice: Long-established companies with extensive workmanship warranties and in-house installation crews exclusively. The veterans with the strongest track records.
- Trusted Provider: Multi-state operations that still manage to deliver quality work. Good local reputation, positive customer feedback. They handle installations directly instead of outsourcing.
- Market Leader: Tons of verified reviews, customers are consistently happy. Proven track record of consistent, reliable service.
Stick with “Expert Choice,” “Trusted Provider,” or “Market Leader” tags. They earned those classifications through actual performance, not by paying for better placement. The difference matters more than you’d think.
What to Look for in a Residential Solar Company?
Shopping for solar energy for residential use? Here’s what separates good residential solar companies from ones you’ll regret hiring:
- Check credentials first. NABCEP certification is what you want to see – it’s the real deal in solar. Beyond that, make sure they’re licensed, bonded, and insured for your area. Using subcontractors? Those crews better have proper credentials, too, not just some guys with ladders.
- Experience isn’t optional. Five years minimum in the business. Don’t be someone’s practice run. Ask straight up: “How many residential solar energy systems have you installed?” A confident residential solar panel installer will tell you the number and walk you through their equipment choices without hesitation. They should explain how they’ll help you tap into available incentives – and if they can’t clearly explain their warranties, that’s a red flag.
- Communication tells you everything. Here’s a test: Ask specific questions. “Why do I need this many panels?” “Break down the costs based on my actual usage.” “What brands are you proposing and why?” “What’s your per-watt price?” Good residential solar installers answer directly. Sketchy ones dance around numbers or pressure you to sign fast. Trust your gut – if they’re dodgy with answers now, imagine dealing with them when something breaks.
- One more thing on communication: Ask about their subcontractors. Who’s actually doing the work? How are they supervised? You deserve real answers.
- Your roof comes first. Any residential solar panel installer worth their salt will thoroughly inspect your roof before talking panels. They should tell you if repairs are needed upfront – not after they’ve torn into your shingles. Who pays if there’s damage during installation? Get that in writing. And yeah, talk about how it’ll look. Panel placement, where vents end up, all that matters when you’re staring at it every day.
- Do your homework on their reputation. Reviews matter, but dig deeper. Ask for references from recent customers. Even better – if you know anyone who’s gone solar, ask them who they used. Personal recommendations beat online reviews every time because people are brutally honest with friends.
- Always get multiple quotes. Always. Prices swing wildly between residential solar companies – sometimes by thousands. Here’s the key: calculate the cost per watt for each proposal. That’s your apples-to-apples comparison, even if residential solar energy system sizes differ slightly. Get three quotes minimum. You’ll quickly learn what’s fair pricing and what’s someone trying to fleece you.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Go local. It makes a difference.
Small local residential solar companies consistently get better reviews than big national operations. The reason is simple: solar energy for residential use is inherently a local business. Providing good customer service across multiple states from a central office? Nearly impossible.
Local residential solar energy companies have skin in the game. They know your area’s incentives and regulations inside and out. They care about their reputation because word spreads fast in local communities. And they’re not trying to hit some corporate sales quota – they want you to be happy so you’ll refer your neighbors.
National companies will pitch their “financial stability” and “consistent quality across locations.” Don’t buy it. When something goes wrong (and eventually, something always does), you want a local company that answers their phone and can send someone over – not a call center that routes you to whoever’s available.
Find a local residential solar panel installer that checks all your boxes and specializes in your area. You’ll be happier for it.
What Does a Residential Solar Installation in New York Look Like?
So you’ve approved your residential solar power system design. What happens next?
- They’ll dig into your energy use. Pull out your utility bills from the last year – installers need to see your actual consumption in kWh. This isn’t busywork. These numbers determine everything: how much you’ll save, when you’ll break even, and what size system makes sense for your home.
- Expect a home energy audit. Good residential solar energy companies don’t skip this. They’re looking at your consumption patterns, when you use the most power, all that. It’s how they properly size your system instead of just slapping panels up there and hoping for the best.
- Your roof gets scrutinized. Is it in decent shape? Facing the right direction? They’ll inspect everything – structural integrity, orientation, shading issues. This determines where panels go and how they’ll run the wiring without making your house look like a science experiment.
- Design gets finalized. They’ll show you renderings of what your residential solar energy system will actually look like on your roof, plus production estimates and costs specific to your situation.
- Paperwork time. New York requires permits for residential solar installation. The good news? Your installer handles this headache. If they’re telling you to pull permits yourself, find a different company.
- The waiting game. Here’s the reality: start to finish, you’re looking at about 3 months. Permits take time. Inspections take time. Getting utility approval takes time. The actual installation on your roof? That’s usually done in 3 days, maybe longer if your roof is complicated or the system is big. Most of those 3 months are just waiting on bureaucracy.
- Installation day arrives. The crew shows up, gets everything installed, and cleans up after themselves. Professional crews leave your property cleaner than they found it – you shouldn’t see a single zip tie or scrap of wire left behind. Just new panels on your roof.
- Inspection happens. The city sends someone out to verify everything meets code and safety regulations. This is required – no way around it. Once you pass, you’re almost there.
- Grid connection is the final step. Your residential solar power system gets wired to the utility company, you apply for interconnection, and they’ll inspect it, too. Some residential solar panel installers handle this entire process for you; others make you deal with the utility. Ask upfront who’s doing what. Once all the approvals are in? Flip the switch. You’re making your own power.
