Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Durham, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading Long Island-based solar installer that has expanded its service throughout New York State, including the Hudson Valley and Catskills region. They are known for high-quality installations, comprehensive in-house services, and strong manufacturer partnerships. They offer a full suite of services from consultation to maintenance.
A highly-rated, family-owned solar company based in Saratoga Springs that serves a large portion of Upstate New York, including the Capital Region and the Catskills. They are praised for their customer service, custom design work, and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems suitable for rural areas like Durham.
A New York-based solar installer specializing in residential and commercial projects across the Hudson Valley, Catskills, and Capital Region. They are known for their personalized approach, strong focus on system design, and expertise in navigating New York State incentives like NYSERDA programs.
** The home solar market in Durham, NY, is characteristic of a rural Upstate New York community. The competition is moderate, with no major national players having a strong local storefront presence. Instead, the market is served by established regional companies from the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and Long Island that have expanded their service territories. These providers are typically high-quality, with strong reputations built on years of service. The average quality of installers is quite high, as New York's licensing and insurance requirements, combined with robust NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) programs, create a high bar for operation. Typical pricing is competitive with the state average, which is higher than the national average due to labor and permitting costs, but this is offset by some of the most attractive incentives in the country, including the NYSERDA Megawatt Block incentive, federal tax credits, and local property tax abatements. The hilly, wooded terrain in and around Durham often necessitates more customized system design and a higher degree of expertise in site assessment compared to open suburban areas. There is also a notable demand for battery storage solutions due to the potential for weather-related grid outages in rural locations.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Durham regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Durham, New York.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Durham, homeowners can expect a gross cost between $18,000 and $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, New York State offers strong incentives, including the NY-Sun Megawatt Block incentive (which provides a direct cash rebate), a 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000), and the complete removal of state sales tax on equipment and installation. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost is significantly reduced, often by 50% or more.
Durham's climate features cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers. Solar panels are efficient in cold weather and actually produce more power on clear, cold days. Winter snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and their dark surfaces accelerate melting. The ample summer sun provides excellent production, and net metering with your utility (like NYSEG or National Grid) credits your excess summer generation to offset winter usage.
Installing solar in Durham requires compliance with local Town of Durham building codes and obtaining a building permit from the town's building department. Your installer should handle this process, which includes ensuring your roof structure can support the system and that electrical work meets code. Additionally, your utility company (NYSEG or National Grid) must approve the interconnection of your system to the grid, a standard but mandatory step for net metering.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience installing in Greene County and the Catskills region, as they will understand local codes, utility requirements, and roof challenges from snow load. Verify they are NYSERDA-approved installers, licensed, insured, and offer strong warranties. Get multiple detailed quotes, check local references, and ensure they provide a clear production estimate specific to Durham's sun exposure and weather patterns.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have backup power during Durham's occasional winter storms or outages, you must pair your solar system with a dedicated battery storage solution, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is an additional investment, but New York's incentive programs, including the NYSERDA Retail Battery Storage Incentive, can help reduce the cost.