Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Cleveland, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading and highly-reviewed local installer focused exclusively on Central New York. They are known for their personalized customer service, in-house expertise, and deep knowledge of New York-specific incentives like NY-SUN.
A veteran-owned company with a strong reputation for quality installations and robust customer support. They emphasize energy efficiency and offer a comprehensive suite of services from consultation to maintenance.
A large, well-established solar provider serving Long Island and expanding significantly into Upstate New York, including the Syracuse area. They bring the scale and manufacturer partnerships of a major player while maintaining a local operations team.
The home solar market for a resident of Cleveland, NY is characterized by high-quality, regional competition based primarily in the Syracuse area. These established companies are adept at serving the specific needs of rural and semi-rural homeowners, including handling larger properties and potential off-grid considerations. **Competition Level:** Moderate to High. While Cleveland itself is small, it is part of a competitive Upstate NY solar market. Residents have access to several top-tier installers who actively compete for business in Oswego County. **Average Quality:** The quality of the leading providers is excellent. The top companies hold necessary licenses (NYSEIA certification is a common benchmark), carry comprehensive insurance, and have long track records of successful installations. They are well-versed in the complex web of state and federal incentives. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with national averages. As of 2024, the gross cost for a typical residential system in New York ranges from **$18,000 to $30,000+** before incentives. The final cost is highly dependent on system size, roof complexity, and equipment choices. However, with the combination of the 30% federal tax credit and New York State's specific incentives (like the NY-SUN Megawatt Block incentive), the net investment for homeowners can be significantly reduced, often by 40-50%. All top providers offer multiple financing options, including loans and leases, to improve affordability.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Cleveland regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Cleveland, New York.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in the Cleveland area ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and New York State offers additional incentives like the NY-Sun Megawatt Block incentive, which provides a direct cash rebate that varies by region and utility. Combined, these can reduce your net cost by 40-50%, and you can also benefit from net metering with National Grid to further offset costs.
Solar panels are very effective in Cleveland's climate; they generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sun, and perform well in cold temperatures. Snow typically melts quickly off dark, tilted panels, and any light reflected off snow can even boost production. System design accounts for our seasonal variation, with longer summer days generating surplus credits through net metering to balance lower winter production, ensuring year-round savings.
Installing solar in Cleveland requires compliance with both local and utility regulations. You will need a building permit from the Town of Cleveland and your installer will typically handle this process. The most critical step is interconnection approval from National Grid, our local utility, which governs how your system connects to the grid for net metering. A reputable local installer will manage all this paperwork, ensuring compliance with New York's Unified Solar Permit Code for streamlined approval.
Look for providers with strong local experience in Oswego County and familiarity with National Grid's interconnection process. Key criteria include being a NYSERDA-approved installer (ensuring they qualify for state incentives), holding proper licensing and insurance, and offering robust warranties. Always check local reviews and ask for references from recent installations in nearby communities like Fulton or Mexico to verify their track record with our specific climate and regulations.
The entire process typically takes 3 to 5 months. After system design and contract signing, the timeline includes securing permits from the town (1-4 weeks), ordering equipment, and the physical installation (1-3 days). The longest phase is often waiting for National Grid to approve interconnection and install a net meter, which can take several weeks. Scheduling is strategic, with many homeowners aiming for installation in spring or fall to maximize production in the following sunny season.