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10 best solar companies in Manhattan, New York
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Manhattan. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Manhattan, New York requires you to find a solar installer with the right certification, skills and experience. We've assembled a list of the best solar companies in Manhattan to help you choose the right installer.
Before deciding on an installer, request recommendations from others, evaluate the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can select a local solar company in Manhattan or pick an established national brand.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
Although solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy lets Manhattan homeowners to save an average of $1,300 per year.
Solar companies do not all offer identical services and products. You should compare different companies and ask for quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Manhattan
When evaluating Manhattan solar companies, find those with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a good reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look at past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
Kamtech Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Free quotes
SunPower
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Mountain Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Brooklyn SolarWorks
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Mpower Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Nexamp
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Mentor
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Pro
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Advanced Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Informative resources
Alerce Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Free quotes
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Blue Shield Solar
Sustainable Solar and Storage, LLC
Solanta
Robinhood Solar Group
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Manhattan?
The Manhattan region gets plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to capitalize on solar energy. Here are some of the major reasons to adopt solar:
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar can help decrease your electricity bills. Solar panel systems create power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise purchased from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar panels shrinks your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to run your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation is one of the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the ideal way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
Facts about Manhattan
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Manhattan?
Per a survey we administered in October 2023, the average cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight access, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
In Manhattan, solar panel installation costs approximately $9,971, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Manhattan?
Though installing solar panels requires a substantial investment to start, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bills in the future.
Money savings in Manhattan from going solar
In Manhattan, you can expect to save money once you've gone completely to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The payback period refers to the time it takes a solar system to recoup its initial cost. According to our analysis of data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, the average payback period for solar installations in Manhattan is 7 years.
- Annual solar savings in Manhattan: Homeowners in Manhattan typically save around $1,334 per year by using solar energy, based on our findings using data from the EIA, the Department of Energy and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can anticipate saving $25,281 after transitioning fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Manhattan from going solar
Not only does transitioning to solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 49 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 1225 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Manhattan?
A variety of solar incentives are available to Manhattan homeowners. Some programs are offered to all New York residents, whereas others change by city, utility company and municipality.
The following solar incentives are accessible to New York residents, as listed in DSIRE:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
PACE Financing State of NY Commercial PACE Financing Program | Locally determined |
Personal Tax Credit Residential Solar Tax Credit | 25% for solar-electric (PV) and solar-thermal systems; for third-party owned systems this is in reference to the aggregate amount owed under the contract rather than the amount owed in any single year |
Corporate Tax Credit Refundable Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit (Corporate) | $0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel |
Loan Program NY-Sun Loan Program | Residential Customers: $1,500 - $25,000 Small Business and Not-for-Profit Organizations: Participation Loans: up to $100,000 (at low interest rate) On-Bill Recovery loans: $50,000 at 2% |
Sales Tax Incentive Residential Wood Heating Fuel Exemption | 100% exemption |
Sales Tax Incentive Local Option - Solar Sales Tax Exemption | Upon local authorization, 100% exemption from local sales tax |
Sales Tax Incentive Solar Sales Tax Exemption | 100% exemption from state sales tax |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Real Property Tax Exemption for Green Buildings | Upon local adoption, 20% - 100% of real property taxes owed; varies by year and certification level |
Property Tax Incentive Energy Conservation Improvements Property Tax Exemption | 100% of the value added to the residence by the improvements |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Solar, Wind & Biomass Energy Systems Exemption | 100% exemption for 15 years (unless local jurisdiction has opted out) |
Rebate Program NY-Sun PV Incentive Program (Residential, Low-Income, and Small Business) | Incentive rates step down over time as MW goals are met. Incentive rates as of 11/27/2019 are: Residential: Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed) Con Edison Region: $0.30/W Upstate Region: $0.35/W Low-to-Moderate income customers: $0.80/W (up to 10 kW) Small Commercial (Non-Residential):Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed) Con Edison Region: $0.60/W Up State Region: $0.45/W Multifamily Affordable Housing Adder: additional $0.40/W (up to 50 kW) |
Rebate Program Ground Source Heat Pump Rebate Program | Small Systems (≤ 10 cooling tons): $1,500/cooling ton Large Systems (> 10 cooling tons): $1,200/cooling ton |
Loan Program Home Performance with ENERGY STAR | See Website |
Other Incentive NY Green Bank | See Website |
Personal Tax Credit Refundable Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit (Personal) | $0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel |
Rebate Program On-Site Wind Incentive Program | Tier I: 10,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $3.50/annual kWh Tier II: 10,000 kWh - 125,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $1.00/annual kWh Tier III: 125,000 kWh - 1,000,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $0.30/ annual kWh Tier IV: Greater than 1,000,000 kWh of expected annual energy production: $0.15/ annual kWh These incentives are additive. |
Performance-Based Incentive Anaerobic Digester Gas-to-Electricity Rebate and Performance Incentive |
|
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Manhattan solar installer?
Take time to evaluate these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio influence the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive residences tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project may be subject to relevant codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes have the same amount of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rainfall and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries preserve extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to prevent power loss when there's no sunshine. Adding battery storage might affect the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
Several solar panel varieties exist, each varying in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors impact pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and the amount of roof space you'll need.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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