Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Franklin Springs, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading local and employee-owned solar installer serving Central New York, including Oneida County. They are highly regarded for their personalized customer service, in-house installation teams, and deep knowledge of New York state incentives like NYSERDA programs and tax credits.
This is a local franchisee of the national SunPower brand, offering their high-efficiency, premium solar panels. They combine the strength of a top-tier equipment manufacturer with local installation expertise. They are known for robust warranties and high-quality system design.
A national leader known for its integrated solar roof and Powerwall battery storage. Tesla offers a streamlined, online-heavy purchasing process and is the go-to for homeowners seeking a fully integrated Tesla ecosystem. Their service area broadly covers New York State.
** The home solar market in Franklin Springs and the broader Central New York region is **moderately competitive and of high quality**. Homeowners have access to a mix of strong local/regional installers and national companies. The market is driven by several key factors: * **Average Quality:** The quality is generally high, with installers holding necessary NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certifications and partnerships with tier-1 manufacturers like SunPower, LG, and Panasonic. * **Competition Level:** Competition is healthy but not oversaturated. A handful of established regional players (like Syracuse Solar) compete with national providers (like Tesla). This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is in line with the national average before incentives. A typical residential system ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000** after the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), depending on system size (usually 6kW to 10kW), equipment quality, and roof complexity. The strong state-level incentives from NYSERDA significantly improve the return on investment and reduce the effective payback period for homeowners. * **Key Differentiators:** In this market, companies differentiate themselves through **local knowledge** (handling snow loads, understanding local permitting), **financing options** (loans, leases, PPAs), and **expertise in battery storage**, which is becoming increasingly popular for backup power in a region that can experience winter power outages.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Franklin Springs regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Franklin Springs, New York.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Franklin Springs, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with New York State's specific incentives, including NYSERDA's Megawatt Block Incentive (which provides a cash rebate per watt) and the property tax exemption for the added home value from solar. This combination can reduce your net cost by 40-50%. Local installers can provide a precise quote based on your home's specific energy needs and roof characteristics.
Solar panels are designed for Upstate New York's climate and actually perform well in cold, sunny winter weather. While snowfall can temporarily cover panels, their dark, slick surfaces and angled installation help snow slide off relatively quickly. Importantly, panels continue to generate significant power during the longer, sunnier days of spring, summer, and fall, which offsets lower winter production. You do not need to manually clear snow, as this can risk damaging the panels or voiding your warranty.
The process is managed by your installer but involves several local steps. You will need a building permit from the Town of Franklin or Village of Franklin Springs code enforcement office. If your home is in a historic district or has a homeowners association (HOA), there may be additional architectural review requirements. New York State's "Solar Rights Act" limits unreasonable restrictions by HOAs. Your installer will also handle the interconnection agreement with National Grid, our local utility, to connect your system to the grid.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Oneida County. Key factors include: verifying they are a NYSERDA-approved installer (eligible for state incentives), checking their licensing (they should be a licensed electrical contractor in NY), and asking for references from recent installations in nearby towns like Clinton or Utica. A trustworthy local provider will understand National Grid's specific interconnection process, local snow load requirements for mounting, and will conduct a thorough, in-person site assessment of your roof.
Yes, New York State mandates net metering for investor-owned utilities like National Grid. This program credits you at the full retail rate for any excess electricity your system sends back to the grid. Your credits roll over month-to-month, which is especially valuable in Franklin Springs. You can build up credits during the high-production summer months to offset your higher electricity use during darker, colder winters, effectively using the grid as a "battery." Your utility meter will be replaced with a bi-directional meter to track this exchange accurately.