Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Kingston, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A prominent B-Corp certified company focused exclusively on the Hudson Valley and New York State. They are widely recognized for their community-focused approach, strong customer service, and comprehensive in-house services from consultation to installation and maintenance.
A global leader known for its integrated solar roof and Powerwall battery technology. While national in scale, they have a strong installation presence in the Kingston area. They appeal to customers seeking a technologically streamlined solution with a strong brand reputation.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company based just south of Kingston. Their high rating reflects a strong focus on customer satisfaction and personalized service. They specialize in both residential and commercial projects throughout Ulster County and the surrounding area.
The home solar market in Kingston, NY, is **robust and competitive**. As part of the Hudson Valley, Kingston benefits from New York State's ambitious clean energy goals, which drive demand through financial incentives like the NY-SUN Megawatt Block incentive, which provides direct cash-back for going solar. The competition level is **moderate to high**, with a mix of large national players (like Tesla) and several strong regional and local installers competing on price, service, and technology. The average quality of installers is quite good, as New York has strict licensing and insurance requirements. Companies must be certified by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to offer its incentives, which acts as a baseline quality filter. **Typical pricing** for a residential system in Kingston before incentives ranges from **$15,000 to $35,000**, heavily dependent on system size (typically 6kW to 12kW for an average home) and the inclusion of battery storage. However, after applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and NYSERDA incentives, the net cost to the homeowner can be significantly reduced, often by 40-50%. Financing options, including loans and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), are widely available from the top providers, making solar accessible with little to no money down.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kingston regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Kingston, New York.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Kingston, 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 the NY-Sun Megawatt Block incentive, which provides a direct cash rebate that varies based on your utility district (Central Hudson). These incentives can reduce your net cost by 40-50%. Additionally, New York's property tax exemption for solar means your assessment won't increase due to the installation.
Kingston's four-season climate is excellent for solar. While winter snow can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and the cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. The sunny summer months generate significant surplus energy, which is crucial for building credits with Central Hudson through net metering to offset lower-production months like December and January. Overall, the Hudson Valley receives ample sunlight for a strong annual return.
Installing solar in Kingston requires a building permit from the City of Kingston Building Department. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. A key local consideration is that if your home is in the Kingston Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission district or a local historic district, you may need a Certificate of Appropriateness, which can add time and specific design requirements to your project. All installations must also comply with the New York State Unified Solar Permit to streamline inspections.
Look for providers who are NYSERDA-approved and have extensive experience navigating local permits and Central Hudson's interconnection process. Check for strong local references and physical office presence in the Hudson Valley. It's essential to get multiple detailed quotes that clarify whether they handle historic district approvals if applicable, and ensure they use high-quality equipment rated for Northeastern snow loads. The NY-Sun website maintains a list of qualified installers operating in the region.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, to protect utility line workers. To have power during an outage in Kingston, you need a system equipped with a solar battery storage solution, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a valuable consideration given the occasional severe weather in the Hudson Valley. When discussing your system, ask providers about adding battery backup, which also qualifies for the federal tax credit.