Best 5 Solar Companies in Staten Island, NY

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Staten Island

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on which company mounted them. Consider all of these criteria in your contractor search.

Licensing and Training

The New York state government does not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your city or county government for its specific requirements and regulations. Solar providers can also pursue certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Staten Island

The style of solar panels you select decides how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. 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 the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

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 efficiency. Not all solar contractors include these add-ons, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Staten Island

Choosing the optimal financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, leases, and loans. We advise making a cash payment or using 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce 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 installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. We suggest working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and obtain 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 Staten Island.

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. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.