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Best 5 Solar Companies in Guilderland, NY
The best solar company in Guilderland is AEC Solar.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
Guilderland homeowners are fortunate to live in abundant sunlight, both to appreciate and use for energy. Many are hiring top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel burnt out searching for an exceptional installer. In this guide, we'll showcase Guilderland's best solar installers and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your residence.
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
5 Best Solar Companies in Guilderland
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.
AEC Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Kasselman Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Seed Solar, Electric and Engineering
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
High Peaks Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
New England Solar + Green
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team has screened dozens of solar contractors near Guilderland, concentrating on the following criteria:
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
- Customer reviews and feedback: Most Guilderland solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
- Experience and professional licensure: Each installer on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Guilderland community for more than a decade.
- Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.
Facts about Guilderland
- Average Max Temperature:54°F
- Solar Payback Period:17 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:51%
- Homes Powered by Solar:220
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$944
- Solar Power per Capita:87.8%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Adopting solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Guilderland Homeowners?
The state of New York offers a range of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.
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 Guilderland
Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar energy system. Consider each of these factors in your company search.
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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Guilderland
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.
If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these extras, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.
If you're a resident of Guilderland and are considering getting 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 | $1,188.21 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $926.81 |
| Thin-Film | $541.83 |
| Solar Battery | $760.46 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,851.71 |
Financing Solar Energy in Guilderland
Choosing the right financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, leases, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash 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. Similar to a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed 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 advise working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each agent about what's available, and secure 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 Guilderland.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates 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 Guilderland
On average, Guilderland homeowners pay roughly $944 per year on electric bills. Once you repay your solar array, you could reduce your costs by $751.46 for every kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is readily available in Guilderland. A growing number of local homes are already using solar power on-site or through utility grids, and New York has about 10740 jobs comprising its solar economy.
Yes, solar energy systems will raise your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), for every dollar you save on energy bills, your home value rises by $20. So, if your panels save you $600 per year on energy costs, your property could appreciate $12,000.
A solar setup could still work in cloudy conditions. Your provider will position your panels to capture the most sunlight possible. They might also recommend a battery backup system to keep your system working at its best.
Modern solar systems are built to last. The average unit provides 25 years of reliable power. Lower-cost panels tend to have reduced longevity than higher-quality models.
Your solar job's duration will depend on its size and complexity, as well as Guilderland's permit and inspection procedures. It could take two weeks to a couple of months on average.
After you sign a PPA, your solar provider will not charge to set up and take care of your new panel array. Instead, you'll pay them only for the electricity you generate. Typically, PPAs last for 10–25 years or until you "buy out" of the contract.
If you choose a lease, you'll make set payments each month.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for some incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
Sources
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