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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 Albany. 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 Albany, New York, requires a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve put together a list of the top solar installers in Albany.
Before hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, screen potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Albany or pick an established national brand.
While solar panels require a large initial investment, you can cut your energy expenses in the long run by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), moving to solar energy allows Albany homeowners to save a yearly average of around $640.
The services from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Look for Albany solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should read through past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential red flag.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Albany, can still benefit from solar panels. Major reasons to switch to solar are:
According to our survey carried out in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The cost rises if you choose any add-ons like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
According to statistics from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA the average expense to install solar panels in Albany is $11,379.
While solar panel installation can be a sizable initial cost, you stand to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Homeowners in Albany who fully switch to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
Switching to solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the projected CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
There are a number of solar incentives available to homeowners in Albany. Certain programs cover all New York residents, while others depend on your city, municipality and utility company.
Here are solar incentives available to New York residents, according to 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. |
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, evaluate these key considerations.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. More expansive houses 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.
Your solar installation project might be subject to applicable codes and permits by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as set up an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sun. Trees, rain conditions and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need extra panels with higher wattage.
Numerous solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries keep extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to prevent power loss in a storm. Installing battery storage may increase the cost of installation.
Several solar panel varieties exist, each differing in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors impact pricing, the rate of panel replacement and the amount of roof space you'll need.
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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