Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Lakewood, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
SunCommon is a prominent, mission-driven solar installer in the Northeast, known for its strong community presence and customer-centric approach. They offer a comprehensive, in-house service from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance, simplifying the entire process for homeowners.
Tesla is a globally recognized leader in renewable energy, offering a highly integrated solar and storage solution. Their streamlined online process and iconic products like Solar Roof and Powerwall battery storage appeal to homeowners seeking a high-tech, brand-name solution.
A highly-rated local Western New York installer known for personalized service and deep expertise. BlueSun Solar focuses on custom-designed systems and has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction in the region, including Chautauqua County.
The home solar market in Lakewood, NY, and the broader Chautauqua County area is **moderately competitive and growing**. The region receives a favorable amount of sunlight for solar generation, making it a viable investment for homeowners. The market is characterized by a mix of large, well-known regional installers like SunCommon and a select number of highly-rated local specialists like BlueSun Solar, who compete on personalized service and local knowledge. **Average quality** is high among the top-tier providers, with most holding key certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) and being approved NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) installers, which is crucial for accessing state incentives. **Competition level** is sufficient to provide homeowners with quality choices, though it is less saturated than in major metropolitan areas. This often results in more attentive customer service. **Typical pricing** is in line with New York state averages. For a standard 6kW residential system before incentives, homeowners can expect a gross cost in the range of **$18,000 to $25,000**. However, with the combination of the strong **Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)**, NYSERDA incentives, and local net metering policies, the net out-of-pocket cost can be significantly reduced, often by 30-50%, improving the return on investment. Most top providers offer various financing options, including loans and leases, to make systems accessible with little or 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 Lakewood regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Lakewood, New York.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Lakewood, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $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 by region and utility territory (like National Grid). This combination can reduce your net cost by 40-50% or more, making solar very affordable.
Solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather, and modern panels are rated to handle heavy snow loads common in Chautauqua County. Snow will temporarily reduce production, but it usually slides off angled panels quickly. The key is that your system is designed to produce more than enough in the sunnier months (spring, summer, fall) to build up credits with National Grid through net metering, offsetting your higher winter usage.
Installation requires a building permit from the Town of Lakewood and an electrical permit, adhering to the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code. Your installer will also handle the crucial interconnection agreement with National Grid, which is mandatory to connect to the grid and participate in net metering. A reputable local provider will manage this entire process for you.
Look for providers with extensive local experience in Western New York. They should be NYSERDA-approved installers, licensed and insured in New York, and familiar with National Grid's specific interconnection process. Ask for references from recent installations in Chautauqua County and verify they offer strong warranties. Local companies often provide better long-term service and understand regional weather challenges.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety unless paired with a battery storage solution. Regarding net metering, National Grid's program credits you for excess solar energy sent to the grid at the full retail rate. These credits roll over month-to-month, allowing you to bank summer production to offset winter bills. This makes your annual energy costs predictable and significantly lower.