Best 5 Solar Companies in Oyster Bay, NY

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Oyster Bay

The cost and efficiency of solar panels often rely on the provider that installed them. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

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 certifications 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 Oyster Bay

Your solar panels' style will impact how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies offer these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.

If you're a resident of Oyster Bay and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $18,250 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Oyster Bay

Solar installers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. 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 paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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 car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. Ask each company you're considering about the payment options it offers. A representative can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential 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.