Best 5 Solar Companies in Utica, NY

With Utica's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a great area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. An experienced solar company can help you set up and adjust a system that meets your energy needs without breaking the bank. In this guide, we'll highlight Utica's best solar installers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your residence.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has screened dozens of solar contractors near Utica, concentrating on the following criteria:

• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Utica community for more than a decade.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Utica solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on your power company for your safety and comfort.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your regular 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.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Utica Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Utica

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your solar installation will ultimately work. Consider all of these factors in your company search.

Licensing and Training

The New York state government does not issue licenses to contractors, so you should check with your county or city government for its specific requirements and regulations. Solar companies can also earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The top 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 Utica

The type of solar panels you purchase dictates how much electricity you can produce. 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 meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Utica

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, solar leases and solar loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. 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 money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. 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 Utica.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy