Best 5 Solar Companies in Smithtown, NY

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Smithtown

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some important factors to bear in mind while shopping for a solar specialist.

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 regulations and requirements. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Smithtown

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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.

Additional system add-ons, 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 contractor provides these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.

If you're a resident of Smithtown 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.

Financing Solar Energy in Smithtown

Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments and solar leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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. Like a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $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, similar to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for providers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.