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10 best solar companies in Albany, 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 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.
- Extends a 25-year system warranty
- Includes upkeep services for leases
- Provides additional insurance coverage
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.
Find the top solar company for you in Albany
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.
Kasselman Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Free quotes
- Reliable customer support
AEC Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Seed Solar, Electric and Engineering
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
High Peaks Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
New England Solar + Green
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
SunCommon
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Valley Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Northeast Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Insight Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Generation
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
PV Squared Solar (Pioneer Valley Photovoltaics)
Beyond Green Construction
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Albany?
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:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can charge electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest certainty that your electric car is operating on clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar enables you to lower your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels works in place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
Facts about Albany
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 Albany?
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.
How much can you save by going solar in Albany?
While solar panel installation can be a sizable initial cost, you stand to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Albany from going solar
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.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to recover its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Albany's standard solar payback period is 17 years.
- Annual solar savings in Albany: Albany homeowners can anticipate saving about $640 per year on average by adopting solar power, according to our analysis of data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can expect to save $6,794 after transitioning fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Albany from going solar
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.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Albany?
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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Albany solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, evaluate these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
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.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
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.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
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.
Do you need a solar battery?
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.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
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.
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.
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