Best 5 Solar Companies in East Meadow, NY

With East Meadow's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a perfect area for homeowners and businesses seeking to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. While switching to solar energy comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,200 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. In this guide, we'll highlight East Meadow's best solar providers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the right one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best East Meadow solar companies.

• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the East Meadow community for over 15 years.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most East Meadow solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the electrical grid for your safety and comfort.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the added cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to East Meadow Homeowners?

New York homeowners who choose solar could qualify for rebates, tax credits, reimbursements and special financing. Here are just a few of the area's incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in East Meadow

The price and efficacy of solar panels often hinge on the solar company that mounted them. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

Licensing and Training

New York regulators do not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your county or city government for its specific requirements and regulations. Solar providers can also earn certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in East Meadow

The kind of solar panels you select decides how much electricity 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

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 all solar companies include these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

A majority of East Meadow homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $18,250 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in East Meadow

Solar installers use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar loans, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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. Like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use 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 do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We suggest working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each representative about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy