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Best 3 Solar Companies in Brighton, NY
The best solar company in Brighton is Geotherm, Inc: Geothermal & Solar Experts.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
With Brighton's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for homeowners and businesses aiming to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. Local homeowners might choose solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A knowledgeable solar contractor can help you set up and tune a system that matches your energy needs without breaking the bank. In this guide, we'll show you Brighton's best solar providers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your home.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
- Extensive coverage area throughout the country
- Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Provides system monitoring
- Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
- Provides EV and solar battery solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers 7 panel brand options
- 25-year workmanship warranty
- Offers battery options
3 Best Solar Companies in Brighton
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
Geotherm, Inc: Geothermal & Solar Experts
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Paradise Energy Solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Go Solar WNY
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team used the following criteria to determine the best Brighton solar companies.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
- Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Brighton solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
- Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
- Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
- Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Brighton community for over 15 years.
Facts about Brighton
- Average Max Temperature:55°F
- Solar Payback Period:15 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:54%
- Homes Powered by Solar:223
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$906
- Solar Power per Capita:54.5%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the added cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Brighton Homeowners?
New York homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for tax credits, rebates, special financing and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.
Incentive Type:PACE Financing
Website:https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/all-programs/programs/commercial-property-assessed-clean-energy
Incentive Amount:
Locally determined
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/credits/solar_energy_system_equipment_credit.htm
Incentive Amount:
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
Incentive Type:Corporate Tax Credit
Incentive Amount:
$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel
Incentive Type:Loan Program
Website:http://ny-sun.ny.gov/Get-Solar/NY-Sun-Financing.aspx
Incentive Amount:
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%
Incentive Type:Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type:Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Upon local authorization, 100% exemption from local sales tax
Incentive Type:Sales Tax Incentive
Website:https://www.tax.ny.gov/pubs_and_bulls/publications/sales/st_pubs_and_bulls_by_number.htm
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption from state sales tax
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:https://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/assess/manuals/vol4/pt2/sec4_06/sec470.htm
Incentive Amount:
Upon local adoption, 20% - 100% of real property taxes owed; varies by year and certification level
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:http://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/assess/manuals/vol4/pt1/sec4_01/sec487_a.htm
Incentive Amount:
100% of the value added to the residence by the improvements
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Website:http://www.tax.ny.gov/research/property/assess/manuals/vol4/pt1/sec4_01/sec487.htm
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption for 15 years (unless local jurisdiction has opted out)
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://ny-sun.ny.gov/
Incentive Amount:
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)
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/Programs/Ground-Source-Heat-Pump-Rebate
Incentive Amount:
Small Systems (≤ 10 cooling tons): $1,500/cooling ton
Large Systems (> 10 cooling tons): $1,200/cooling ton
Incentive Type:Other Incentive
Website:http://greenbank.ny.gov/
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Incentive Amount:
$0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Incentive Amount:
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.
Incentive Type:Performance-Based Incentive
Incentive Amount:
- Capacity Incentive: Varies on the construction and design of the system
- Performance Incentive: $0.025/kWh production payment for new systems for up to 10 years (estimated using a capacity factor of 75%)
- Interconnection Incentive: up to 75% of the costs exceeding $5,000
- Project Enhancement Incentives: Available for Black Start Capability, Hydrogen Sulfide reduction, design for accepting food waste and others
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
Incentive Amount:
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.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Brighton
The price and efficiency of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Consider all of these aspects in your company search.
Licensing and Training
New York state does not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your city or county government for its specific requirements and regulations. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Brighton
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not every solar company provides these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's important for you.
If you're a resident of Brighton and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $18,250 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,176.79 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $917.89 |
| Thin-Film | $536.61 |
| Solar Battery | $753.14 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,824.29 |
Financing Solar Energy in Brighton
Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Look for contractors that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Brighton.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.6 years |
| 2 kW | 5.1 years |
| 5 kW | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | 25.7 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in Brighton
On average, Brighton homeowners pay roughly $906 per year on power bills. Once you pay off your solar array, you could reduce your costs by $829.19 per kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is on the rise in Brighton. Some homes already generate solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're supported by a state solar economy with 10740 workers and counting.
Yes, new solar systems mean higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could increase your home's value by $12,000.
Even if your property has high tree cover, you could still use solar energy. Your contractor will enhance your system's performance by choosing the proper site for panels, installing a battery backup system, cleaning them regularly, and positioning them to capture the most sunlight throughout the year. This way, you can store solar power and use it as necessary.
Your solar job's duration will depend on its size and complexity, as well as Brighton's permit and inspection procedures. It could take several weeks to two months on average.
To preserve your solar system's efficiency, inspections and cleanings every six months are usually enough. In dry or dusty seasons, your panels might need cleanings every one to two months. Your technician can recommend a maintenance schedule. Its team could also tackle the cleaning for you.
It's prudent to collect at least three different estimates before committing to a single solar company. This allows you to evaluate product quality, pricing, customer feedback, and warranty options. It also lets you assess a provider's responsiveness, reliability and knowledge, all of which are positive signs.
Sources
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