Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Kent, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Trinity Solar is one of the largest regional private solar contractors in the Northeastern U.S. They are a well-established, family-run company known for a turnkey process that handles everything from design and financing to installation and maintenance. Their strong manufacturer partnerships and in-house crews ensure quality control.
EmPower Solar is a leading Long Island and Hudson Valley-based installer that operates as a SunPower Master Dealer. This partnership gives them access to some of the industry's highest-efficiency solar panels and the Equinox storage system. They are highly regarded for their design expertise, customer service, and deep knowledge of NY state incentives.
A local, employee-owned company dedicated to the Hudson Valley region. They pride themselves on custom-designed systems and a high-touch, educational approach for homeowners. They are a certified B-Corp, reflecting a commitment to social and environmental performance, and offer both grid-tied and off-grid solutions.
** The home solar market in Kent, NY, and the broader Putnam County area is characterized by strong growth potential driven by New York State's supportive policies, including the NY-Sun Initiative and significant federal tax credits. The competition is moderate, dominated by established regional players like those listed above rather than a high volume of local, hyper-local contractors. The average quality of service is high, as these companies compete on reputation, expertise, and service in a discerning market. Typical pricing for a residential system in Kent is competitive with the national average, ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$28,000 to $42,000 for a 10 kW system**. However, after applying the 30% federal tax credit and other NYSERDA incentives, the net investment for homeowners is significantly reduced, often by 40-50%. Companies in this region are generally very proficient at navigating these complex incentive programs for their customers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kent regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Kent, New York.
For a typical 8-10 kW system in Kent, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $25,000 and $35,000. Crucially, you can combine the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with New York State's specific incentives, including the NYSERDA Megawatt Block Incentive, which provides a cash rebate per watt installed, and the property tax exemption for the added home value from solar. Net costs after these incentives can be significantly lower, often by 40-50%.
Kent experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers. Solar panels are actually more efficient in cooler temperatures, and snow will usually melt and slide off angled panels quickly. While winter days are shorter, you will generate the majority of your annual production from spring through fall. Proper system sizing by a local installer will account for this seasonal variation to ensure your system meets your annual energy needs.
Yes, installing solar requires compliance with Kent's local building codes and zoning ordinances. You will need to obtain a building permit from the Town of Kent Building Department. The process typically involves submitting system plans and specifications for review to ensure structural and electrical safety. A reputable local installer will manage this entire permitting process for you, which is a key reason to choose a provider familiar with Putnam County's specific requirements.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Putnam County and New York's specific incentive programs. They should be a registered NYSERDA Solar Installer and properly licensed and insured in New York. Ask for references from recent installations in Kent or nearby towns, and ensure they offer robust warranties and will handle all local permitting, interconnection with Central Hudson Gas & Electric, and incentive paperwork.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless you have a dedicated solar battery backup installed. For net metering, Central Hudson, your local utility, credits you for excess solar energy sent to the grid. This credit offsets your usage at other times (like at night). New York's "Value Stack" compensation (instead of simple net metering) provides different credit rates for the energy, capacity, and environmental benefits your solar provides, making the economics favorable.