Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Howells, 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 comprehensive service, from custom design to installation and ongoing monitoring. They are a top choice for homeowners interested in solar leasing and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), in addition to purchase options.
Trinity Solar is one of the largest privately-held residential solar providers in the U.S. and has a significant operation in the Northeast. They are employee-owned and have a reputation for high-quality installations and excellent customer service, focusing primarily on purchased systems.
Better Earth Solar is a reputable regional installer that has grown significantly by focusing on customer experience and high-quality workmanship. They offer a full suite of services from design to maintenance and are known for their straightforward consultation process and expertise with local incentives.
** The home solar market in the Howells, NY area is robust and competitive, characteristic of the broader Hudson Valley region. The average quality of service is high, driven by stringent New York State licensing requirements and the influence of state-wide incentives like NY-Sun. The competition level is moderate to high, with several established national and regional players vying for business, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in the area before incentives ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000**, heavily dependent on system size (typically 6kW to 12kW for an average home) and equipment choices. The 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) significantly reduces this net cost. Financing options are plentiful, with most providers offering $0-down loans, leases, and PPAs, making solar accessible without a large upfront payment. The combination of New York's specific rebates, net metering policies, and high electricity costs from utilities like Orange & Rockland makes the return on investment (ROI) attractive for homeowners in Howells.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Howells regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Howells, New York.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Howells, the gross cost before incentives is typically between $18,000 and $28,000. Critically, New York State offers the NY-Sun Megawatt Block incentive, which provides a direct cash rebate per watt installed, and you'll also receive the 30% federal tax credit. Combined, these can reduce your net cost by 40-50%. Additionally, you are eligible for Orange & Rockland's net metering program to earn bill credits.
While winter days are shorter, solar panels are actually more efficient in cold, sunny weather, and snow will typically slide off angled panels quickly. For the Howells area, annual production is strong, with the majority of generation occurring from spring through fall. Minimal maintenance is required; occasional clearing of heavy, persistent snow can be done with a roof rake (carefully) to maximize winter output, but it's often not necessary.
Installing solar in Howells (within the Town of Mount Hope) requires a building permit from the local building department. Your installer should handle this process, which includes submitting structural and electrical plans for review. After installation, inspections are required by both the Town building inspector and your local utility (Orange & Rockland) to approve the interconnection to the grid before your system can be activated.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience in Orange County and specific knowledge of Orange & Rockland's interconnection rules. Look for certified, licensed installers (NYSERDA-approved is a plus) and insist on multiple detailed quotes. While there are strong regional installers based in the Hudson Valley, also verify local references and physical addresses to ensure they can provide timely post-installation service for your Howells home.
Going completely off-grid in Howells is technically possible but generally not practical or cost-effective for most homes due to the high expense of a large battery bank needed to store power for multiple cloudy or snowy winter days. Remaining connected to the grid through a net metering agreement with Orange & Rockland acts as a virtual battery, providing reliable backup and allowing you to export excess summer energy to use as credits in the lower-production winter months.