Best 5 Solar Companies in Ramapo, NY

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Ramapo

The purchase price and performance of solar panels often rely on the provider that installed them. Consider each of these criteria in your contractor 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted 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 Ramapo

Your solar modules' type will impact how much electricity 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.

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

If you're a resident of Ramapo and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $18,250 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Ramapo

Choosing the right financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, cash payments, and power purchase agreements. We recommend paying with cash 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each salesperson about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.