Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Allentown, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly reputable, local electrical contractor that has expanded into a premier solar installation specialist. They are known for high-quality craftsmanship, in-house electrical expertise, and deep knowledge of New York state incentives like NYSERDA programs. They handle the entire process from design to interconnection.
A dedicated solar installation company focused exclusively on Western New York. They have built a strong reputation for customer service, transparent pricing, and offering a wide range of financing options, including leases and PPAs. They provide comprehensive energy assessments.
As a leading SunPower Master Dealer, this company offers some of the highest-efficiency solar panels on the market, backed by a comprehensive 25-year warranty. They are an excellent choice for homeowners seeking top-tier equipment and strong manufacturer backing for long-term performance.
** The home solar market in Allentown, NY, and the greater Buffalo-Amherst area is **mature and competitive**. The average quality of providers is high, with several established, local companies boasting over a decade of experience. The market is driven by several factors: New York's favorable incentives (including the NY-Sun Megawatt Block incentive and the Federal Investment Tax Credit), relatively high electricity rates from National Grid, and the region's sufficient solar insolation. **Competition Level:** High. Homeowners have multiple reputable local and national options, which helps keep pricing competitive and encourages strong customer service. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in this region before incentives ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000**, heavily dependent on system size (typically 6kW to 12kW) and equipment choice. After applying the 30% federal tax credit and NYSERDA incentives, the net investment is significantly reduced. Most companies offer $0-down loan and lease options, making solar accessible without large upfront costs.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Allentown regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Allentown, New York.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Allentown, homeowners can expect an average gross cost between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with New York State's specific incentives, including the NYSERDA Megawatt Block Incentive, which provides a cash rebate per watt installed, and the removal of state sales tax on solar equipment. These combined incentives can significantly reduce your net cost.
Allentown's four-season climate means production peaks in sunny summer months but continues year-round. Snow cover in winter can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to help shed snow, and their dark surfaces often melt it quickly. Importantly, solar panels operate on light, not heat, and can perform very well in the cold, clear days common in Western New York winters, helping to offset your heating season electricity use.
Installation requires compliance with both the Town of Amherst building codes and National Electric Code (NEC) standards. You or your installer will need to pull an electrical and building permit from the Amherst Building Department. If your home is part of a Homeowners Association (HOA), you must also obtain its approval, but New York State law (Property Law § 336-b) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations.
Prioritize providers who are NYSERDA-approved installers and have extensive experience with Western New York's specific permitting, interconnection, and climate. Check their licenses (they should be a licensed electrical contractor in NY), read local reviews on platforms like Google and BBB, and ask for references from recent installations in Amherst or Erie County. A trustworthy provider will conduct a detailed site assessment of your roof's condition, orientation, and shading.
With a standard grid-tied system, you will not have power during an outage for safety reasons, as your system automatically shuts off to protect utility workers. To have backup power, you must install a solar battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a particularly valuable consideration in Allentown, given the potential for lake-effect snowstorms and winter power outages, allowing you to keep essential circuits running.