Best 5 Solar Companies in Manhattan, NY

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Manhattan

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some essential aspects to remember while searching for a solar company.

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. Solar installers can also earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected 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 Manhattan

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'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.

You can expect to pay about $18,250 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Manhattan. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Manhattan solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Manhattan

There are a plethora of ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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. Much like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a power purchase agreement lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. Look for providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

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