Best 5 Solar Companies in Ossining, NY

With Ossining's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a great area for homeowners and businesses aiming to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. If you reside in one of the area's many old homes, you might question whether your electrical system would support solar panels. However, new technology and knowledgeable installers can help these homeowners access sustainable, clean power. In this guide, we'll highlight Ossining's best solar installers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed dozens of Ossining solar companies, using the following criteria to select the finest:

• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Ossining solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Ossining community for over 15 years.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
• Smaller power bills: Sourcing some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Ossining Homeowners?

Governments and utility companies often incentivize homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Ossining

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on which company installed them. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

Licensing and Training

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

Cost of Solar Panels in Ossining

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power 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 inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and convenient to use. Not every solar company offers these optional components, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Ossining homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $18,250 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Ossining

There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and leases. We advise making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce 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 monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like 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 recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant 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 Ossining.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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