Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Lancaster, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A premier, locally-owned SunPower Master Dealer offering high-efficiency solar panels and battery storage. Known for comprehensive in-house services from design to maintenance and strong customer service. They are a top-tier provider in the Western NY region.
A leading Western New York solar installer focused on custom residential system design and energy efficiency. They are known for their consultative approach and expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions, including Generac PWRcell batteries.
A national leader known for its integrated Solar Roof and Powerwall battery storage. Offers a streamlined online ordering process and a strong technology brand. Local consultations and installations are available for Lancaster residents.
The home solar market in Lancaster, New York, is active and competitive, driven by New York State's supportive NY-SUN incentive program and the NYSERDA Megawatt Block incentive, which offers cash-back for solar installations. The market features a mix of highly-rated local and regional installers (like BlueSel and ECOS) and national providers (like Tesla). Competition is strong, leading to good service quality and a variety of financing options, including loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from $15,000 to $35,000 before the 30% federal tax credit and other state incentives, depending on system size and energy needs. Homeowners in Lancaster benefit from this competitive landscape, which encourages quality workmanship and comprehensive service offerings.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Lancaster regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Lancaster, New York.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Lancaster, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). New York State offers additional benefits, including a $5,000 rebate through NYSERDA's NY-Sun program and the property tax exemption, which prevents your assessment from increasing due to the solar installation. Lancaster's specific climate, with ample sunny days, ensures a strong return on this investment.
Solar panels are designed to handle snow and actually perform well in cold, sunny weather. A light dusting often slides off the slick panels, and their dark surfaces help melt snow. For heavier accumulations, safe removal with a roof rake is recommended. Importantly, the seasonal variation is accounted for in your system's design; you'll generate abundant power in spring and summer, which creates net metering credits with National Grid to offset lower winter production.
Installing solar in Lancaster requires a building permit from the Town of Lancaster Building Department. Your installer will typically handle this process, ensuring the system meets New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the National Electrical Code. A key local consideration is compliance with any town-specific zoning rules regarding setbacks or visibility, though New York's Solar Rights Law limits unreasonable restrictions. Finally, National Grid must approve the interconnection to the grid.
Prioritize providers with strong local experience in Erie County and New York State. Verify they are NYSERDA-approved installers eligible for state incentives. Check for necessary licenses (like a NYS electrical license) and ask for references from recent installations in Lancaster to see how they've handled local permitting and snow loads. Always compare multiple detailed quotes that outline equipment, warranty terms, production estimates, and full cost breakdowns.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety. To have power during outages, you need a system with battery storage (like a Tesla Powerwall). Regarding net metering, New York's policy is excellent: National Grid credits you at the full retail rate for every kilowatt-hour you send to the grid. These credits roll over month-to-month, allowing you to build up a surplus in sunny months to use during cloudier periods or in winter, maximizing your savings.