Best 5 Solar Companies in Central Islip, NY

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Central Islip

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Consider each of these aspects in your company search.

Licensing and Training

The New York state government does not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your county or city government for its specific requirements and regulations. 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 Central Islip

Your solar panels' model will affect how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor provides these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of Central Islip and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $18,250 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Central Islip

Choosing the right financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements, and leases. We suggest making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

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