Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Acra, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
SunCommon is a highly-regarded, employee-owned B-Corporation with a strong mission to make solar accessible. They are a dominant player in the Hudson Valley and Catskill region, known for their community-focused approach, excellent customer service, and comprehensive in-house services from design to maintenance.
Apex Solar is a family-owned and operated company based in the Capital Region with a significant service footprint that extends into Greene County. They are praised for their high-quality installations, expertise with complex roofs common in the region, and strong manufacturer partnerships, offering premium panels and warranties.
Integrated Solar is a local New York company that specializes in both grid-tied and off-grid systems, making them an excellent choice for the more rural and potentially remote properties in the Acra area. They offer robust system design and have expertise in battery backup solutions.
** The home solar market in and around Acra, NY is characterized by a handful of high-quality, regional installers rather than intense competition from national firms. This results in a market where service quality, local expertise, and customer relationships are paramount. The rural nature of the area means providers are experienced with a variety of property types, including homes with more land, older structures, and potential shading challenges from the Catskill forests. **Average Quality:** The average quality is high, as the companies that succeed in this market are established, licensed, and rely heavily on local referrals and reputation. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there are not dozens of companies vying for business, the top regional players are very active and competitive on service and technology offerings rather than just price. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is generally in line with the New York state average. As of 2024, the average cost for a residential system before incentives is between $3.00 and $3.80 per watt. A typical 8 kW system would have a gross cost of $24,000 - $30,400. However, homeowners in Acra benefit significantly from the **NYSERDA Megawatt Block Incentive**, the **26% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)**, and local property tax abatements, which can reduce the net cost by 40-50%. All top providers are well-versed in these incentives and assist with the application process.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Acra regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Acra, New York.
For a typical 8-10 kW system in Acra, homeowners can expect a gross cost between $25,000 and $35,000 before incentives. Crucially, New York State offers significant savings through the NY-SUN Megawatt Block incentive, which provides a cash rebate per watt installed, and a 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000). Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, this can reduce the net cost by 50-60%. Local utilities like NYSEG also offer net metering, crediting you for excess power sent to the grid.
Acra's four-season climate is excellent for solar. While winter days are shorter and snow cover can temporarily reduce output, cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, and modern panels shed snow relatively quickly. The sunny summer months generate significant surplus power, which is banked as credits via net metering to offset higher winter usage. Year-round, the Hudson Valley receives sufficient sunlight to make solar a highly viable and predictable investment.
Installing solar in Acra requires compliance with Greene County and local town building codes. You will need a building permit, and your installer typically handles this process. A key local consideration is the electrical inspection required by NYSEG before they will approve your system for interconnection to the grid. Reputable local installers are familiar with these specific county protocols and will manage the entire permitting and utility approval process for you.
Prioritize providers with proven experience in Greene County and the Catskills region. Look for New York State licensed master electricians and installers certified by manufacturers like SunPower or Tesla. Essential steps include verifying local references, checking their standing with the NYS Department of State, and ensuring they provide a detailed production estimate specific to Acra's solar exposure. A trustworthy local provider will also conduct a thorough on-site roof assessment to account for factors like shading from surrounding trees.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have power during outages common in rural areas like Acra, you must pair your solar system with a dedicated battery storage solution, such as a Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell. This is an increasingly popular add-on that stores your excess solar energy, providing backup power for essential circuits when the grid is down, especially during winter storms.