Best 5 Solar Companies in Commack, NY

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Commack

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

New York state does not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your county or city government for its specific regulations and requirements. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Commack

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options 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 efficiency. Not every solar contractor includes these add-ons, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

A majority of Commack homeowners opt for solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $18,250 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Commack

Choosing the right financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, loans, leases, and cash payments. We recommend paying with cash or using 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 own 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 benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.