Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Farnham, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
As one of New York State's largest and most established local solar installers, Solar Liberty has a strong presence in Western New York. They are known for comprehensive in-house services, from initial design and financing to installation and maintenance, ensuring quality control. They are a top-tier installer for major manufacturers.
SunCommon is a certified B-Corp with a strong focus on community and making solar accessible. They are highly active in the Western NY market and are praised for their customer-centric approach, transparent pricing, and expertise in navigating NYSERDA incentives and local regulations.
A highly-rated, locally-owned installer known for personalized service and attention to detail. They have built an excellent reputation in Erie County for quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. They specialize in custom residential systems and offer robust maintenance and repair services.
** The home solar market in Farnham, NY, and the broader Western New York region is robust and competitive. The area benefits from strong state-level incentives, including NYSERDA rebates and the NY Sun Initiative, coupled with the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). This makes solar a financially attractive option for homeowners. **Average Quality:** The market is served by a mix of large regional players and specialized local contractors. The top-tier companies, like those listed, generally offer high-quality equipment (e.g., Tesla, Panasonic, Qcells) and professional installation standards. **Competition Level:** Competition is healthy, which benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and improved customer service. While there are national companies present, the market is dominated by reputable regional installers who have a better understanding of local climate considerations (e.g., snow load) and incentive programs. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in New York ranges from **$3.00 to $3.80 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$24,000 - $30,400**. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, the net investment would be roughly **$16,800 - $21,280**. Most companies offer $0-down financing and leasing options, making systems accessible with little to no upfront cost.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Farnham regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Farnham, New York.
Farnham's cold winters are actually beneficial for solar panel efficiency, as panels operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures. While snow can temporarily reduce production, panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and the dark surfaces absorb heat to melt snow relatively quickly. It's important to ensure your installer designs a system with a steeper tilt to aid in winter snow clearance and to discuss any specific roof considerations for our local snow load.
Farnham homeowners benefit from the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal income tax. New York State offers additional incentives, including the NYSERDA Megawatt Block Incentive (which provides a cash rebate per watt installed) and the property tax exemption, which prevents your home's assessed value from increasing due to the solar system. You should also confirm with National Grid about any local interconnection programs.
For a typical Farnham home, the process takes 3 to 5 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from the Town of Brant (which encompasses Farnham), scheduling the installation, and finally, the "interconnection" process where National Grid reviews and approves the system to connect to the grid. Seasonal weather can impact installation scheduling, so starting the process in late winter or early spring is ideal for a summer activation.
Prioritize installers who are familiar with the specific permitting requirements of the Town of Brant and National Grid's interconnection process. Look for a New York State-licensed electrical contractor (or who partners with one), strong warranties (25-year on panels is standard), and a robust local portfolio. Ask for references from recent installations in Erie County to verify their experience with our regional climate and regulations.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup system. With National Grid's net metering policy, common in Farnham, your system sends excess power to the grid, earning you credits that offset your usage when the sun isn't shining (like at night or on cloudy days). Your bill is based on this annual "net" usage, making solar highly effective despite our variable Upstate New York weather.