Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Crittenden, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar with a strong local presence. They are known for their comprehensive service, from custom design to installation and ongoing monitoring. They offer a variety of financing options, including popular Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and leases, which can lower the barrier to entry for homeowners.
A highly-rated local installer known for personalized service and expertise in the Western NY climate. They focus on high-quality equipment and craftsmanship, offering both grid-tied and off-grid solutions. Their local knowledge is a significant asset for navigating NY state incentives and optimizing system performance for local weather patterns.
Empire Solar is a regional provider based in Rochester with extensive experience serving the entire Western NY region, including Erie County. They are praised for their customer-centric approach, transparent pricing, and strong post-installation support, including maintenance and repair services.
** The home solar market in the Crittenden and broader Western New York area is **moderately competitive and of high quality**. Homeowners have access to a mix of well-established national providers (like Sunrun) and several highly-regarded local and regional installers (like Buffalo Solar Works and Empire Solar). This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. The market is driven by several key factors: * **New York State Incentives:** Strong state-level incentives, including the NY-Sun Megawatt Block incentive and the NYS Solar Energy System Equipment Credit, significantly reduce the net cost for homeowners. * **Net Metering:** NY's net metering policy allows homeowners to receive bill credits for excess energy their systems send back to the grid. * **Energy Costs:** Rising electricity costs from traditional utilities like National Grid make solar an increasingly attractive financial investment. * **Typical Pricing:** For a standard 6-8 kW residential system, the gross cost typically ranges from **$18,000 to $30,000** before applying the 30% federal tax credit and state incentives. The final out-of-pocket cost can be substantially lower, and many companies offer $0-down loan or lease options. Overall, a Crittenden resident has access to a robust solar market with multiple reputable providers capable of delivering high-quality installations and leveraging significant financial incentives.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Crittenden regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Crittenden, New York.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Crittenden, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crittenden homeowners benefit from the 30% federal tax credit and New York's strong state incentives, including NYSERDA's Megawatt Block incentive, which provides a cash rebate per watt installed. Additionally, New York State offers a solar property tax exemption, ensuring your property taxes won't increase due to the added system value.
Crittenden's four-season climate provides excellent solar potential, with sunny summers generating peak production. While winter snow and shorter days reduce output, modern panels are efficient at low temperatures and can melt light snow cover. Importantly, New York's net metering policy allows you to bank excess summer credits with National Grid to offset winter usage, making a well-sized system effective year-round.
Installing solar in Crittenden requires a building permit from the Town of Crittenden and an electrical permit, typically handled by your installer. Your system must comply with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, including specific requirements for roof access and setbacks for firefighters. Your chosen provider should manage this entire process, including the final interconnection agreement with National Grid.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience in Erie County and proper New York State licensing (NYSERDA-approved installers are a must). Ask for references from recent Crittenden or nearby installations and verify they handle all local permitting and National Grid interconnection. It's also wise to compare multiple quotes and check their warranty offerings and track record for post-installation service.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety unless paired with a dedicated battery backup. For Crittenden homeowners concerned about outages, adding a battery like a Tesla Powerwall is an option. For net metering, National Grid provides a credit for every kilowatt-hour you send to the grid, which is used to offset your consumption from the grid at night or in winter, with an annual "true-up" period.