Best 3 Solar Companies in Amherst, NY

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Amherst

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

Licensing and Training

The New York state government does not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your city or county government for its specific regulations and requirements. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Amherst

The kind of solar panels you choose decides how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar provider provides these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

Generally speaking, it will cost about $18,250 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Amherst. This table displays more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Amherst

Choosing the correct financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements, and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for installers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Amherst.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.