Best 5 Solar Companies in Schenectady, NY

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Schenectady

The more thorough your company research is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Consider all of these aspects in your business 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 obtain certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. 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 Schenectady

The kind of solar panels you purchase decides how much power 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 recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar company offers these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's important for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Schenectady. This table displays more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Schenectady

Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and solar loans. Though it involves 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 runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, 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) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for contractors that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.