Best 5 Solar Companies in Mount Vernon, NY

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Mount Vernon

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. Consider all of these aspects in your company search.

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 requirements and regulations. Solar installers can also pursue accreditations 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 Mount Vernon

The type of solar panels you choose decides how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. 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 the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

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

If you're a resident of Mount Vernon and want 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.

Financing Solar Energy in Mount Vernon

There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, cash payments, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for installers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

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

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