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Best 5 Solar Companies in Palm Tree, NY
The best solar company in Palm Tree is SunPower by New York State Solar Farm.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
With Palm Tree's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an ideal area for families and businesses looking to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel overwhelmed searching for an excellent company. On this page, we'll showcase Palm Tree's leading solar installers and give valuable advice for your solar journey.
5 Best Solar Companies in Palm Tree
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.
SunPower by New York State Solar Farm
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
SunPower
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Kamtech Solar Solutions
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Sunrun Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Trinity Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Palm Tree solar companies.
- Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
- Experience and professional licensure: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Palm Tree community for over 15 years.
- Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
- Customer reviews and feedback: Most Palm Tree solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
Facts about Palm Tree
- Average Max Temperature:57°F
- Solar Payback Period:10 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:52%
- Homes Powered by Solar:178
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,341
- Solar Power per Capita:92.8%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during storms and grid outages.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to generate your own energy to power your home, reducing your periodic electricity costs. 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.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Palm Tree Homeowners?
New York's public agencies and power companies offer a range of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of available 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 Palm Tree
The purchase price and performance of solar panels often depend on which company installed them. Consider all of these aspects in your contractor 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Palm Tree
Your solar modules' model will affect how much power you can produce. 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 have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not all solar companies provide these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.
If you're a resident of Palm Tree and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $18,250 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,159.29 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $904.24 |
Thin-Film | $528.63 |
Solar Battery | $741.94 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,782.29 |
Financing Solar Energy in Palm Tree
Choosing the ideal financing option will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, leases, and loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating 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 certain circumstances. Look for providers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Palm Tree.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you 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 Palm Tree
On average, Palm Tree homeowners spend approximately $1,341 per year for energy. Once you pay off your solar array, you could save $1,252.33 for every kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is reaching new heights in Palm Tree. Some homes already benefit from solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're supported by a state solar economy with 10740 jobs and counting.
Yes, new solar systems mean higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could increase your home's value by $12,000.
Today's solar panels are incredibly durable, lasting up to 25 years. Monocrystalline options and other premium models tend to live longer than less expensive models.
Your solar job's duration will depend on its complexity and size, as well as Palm Tree's permit and inspection procedures. It could take two weeks to two months on average.
The average payback period for a solar loan in Palm Tree is 10.2 years. By paying off extra principal each month, you can shorten the payback period and own your system faster.
To enhance your solar system's performance, you can try the following strategies:
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
Even the most respected Palm Tree solar providers will have both glowing and critical reviews. To make the most informed selection possible, focus on these warning signs to know if a company isn't worth your time:
- Aggressive sales pitch
- Being evasive about cost, warranties, training and credentials and references
- Inflexible options
- Rushing through the site assessment
- No references or testimonials
Sources
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