Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Ithaca, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Renovus Solar is a locally-owned and employee-owned company that has become a dominant force in the Finger Lakes solar scene. They offer a comprehensive, start-to-finish service, from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. Their deep community roots and extensive experience with NYSERDA incentives are significant strengths.
SunCommon is a certified B-Corp with a strong mission to make solar accessible to more people. They have a significant presence in the Hudson Valley and have expanded successfully into the Ithaca market. They are known for their customer-friendly approach, strong warranties, and expertise in community solar and various financing models, including their own in-house loan.
Taitem (Technologies As If The Earth Mattered) is a unique Ithaca-based firm that combines solar installation with deep expertise in energy engineering and building science. They are an excellent choice for complex projects, off-grid systems, and homeowners who want a holistic approach that integrates solar with overall home energy efficiency and building performance.
The home solar market in Ithaca is **robust and highly competitive**, driven by the city's environmentally conscious population, favorable state-level incentives, and net metering policies. The average quality of providers is very high, with several companies holding top-tier certifications like NABCEP. Competition is strong, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and high service standards. Typical pricing for a residential system in Ithaca is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. However, the effective cost is significantly lower after applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and New York State's specific incentives, such as the NY-Sun Megawatt Block Incentive, which provides a direct rebate based on system size and location. Many local providers are exceptionally knowledgeable about navigating these state-specific programs, a key factor for homeowners in the region.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ithaca regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Ithaca, New York.
Solar panels are very effective in Ithaca. While they produce less energy on cloudy days and when covered by snow, they still generate significant power from diffuse sunlight. Importantly, cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, and snow often melts quickly off angled panels, while our long summer days provide excellent production. Systems are designed for our specific climate, and net metering with NYSEG ensures you get credit for all energy produced year-round.
Ithaca homeowners benefit from a powerful combination of incentives. These include the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), NYS's $5,000 Residential Solar Tax Credit, and property tax exemptions for the added home value. Crucially, you also participate in NYSERDA's NY-Sun Megawatt Block Incentive program, which provides an upfront rebate, and net metering with your utility (NYSEG or NYSEG/RGE), making the overall investment very attractive.
Installing solar in Ithaca requires a building permit from the City of Ithaca or Town of Ithaca building department, which includes a structural review for roof-mounted systems. If your home is in a local historic district or a designated landmark, you will need additional approval from the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission. Your chosen, reputable installer will typically manage this entire permitting process on your behalf.
Look for installers who are NYSERDA-approved under the NY-Sun program and have strong local experience, as they understand our specific climate, snow loads, and utility interconnection process. Check for certifications like NABCEP, read local reviews on platforms like EnergySage, and get multiple detailed quotes. A trustworthy local installer will provide a realistic production estimate for Ithaca's weather and handle all Tompkins County permits.
The timeline typically ranges from 2 to 5 months. The process includes system design, securing NYSERDA incentives and utility interconnection approval (NYSEG), obtaining local building permits, and scheduling installation. Weather can impact installation dates, especially in winter. The utility's final inspection and meter swap to enable net metering is often the longest step, so planning for a spring/summer installation is ideal.