Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Leeds, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
SunCommon is a leading B-Corp certified solar installer in the Hudson Valley with a strong mission to make solar accessible to more people. They are renowned for their customer-centric approach, in-house installation teams, and comprehensive service from consultation to maintenance. They have a significant presence in the Catskills region.
PlugPV is a highly-rated, locally-owned and operated solar installer based in the Capital Region. They specialize in custom-designed residential systems and are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, personal service, and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid/battery backup systems, which is ideal for more rural areas around Leeds.
Apex Solar is a well-established, multi-state installer with a very strong reputation in New York. They handle the entire process internally and are recognized for their expertise in navigating NY state incentives like NYSERDA programs and their robust warranty offerings. They serve a wide area, including the Catskills.
** The home solar market in and around Leeds, NY, is robust and competitive, characterized by a mix of strong regional players and established national companies. The average quality of providers is high, as the technical and regulatory requirements in New York state demand a high level of professionalism and certification. **Competition Level:** High. Leeds residents have access to numerous qualified installers from the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and beyond. This competition benefits the consumer through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing & Incentives:** The average cost for a residential solar system in this region typically ranges from **$15,000 to $30,000+** before incentives, highly dependent on system size and roof complexity. However, the effective net cost is significantly lower due to powerful incentives: * **Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC):** 30% of the total system cost. * **NYSERDA Megawatt Block Incentive:** A per-watt rebate that reduces upfront costs. * **New York State Tax Credit:** 25% of the system cost (capped at $5,000). * **Local Utility Rebates & Net Metering:** Programs from utilities like NYSEG and Central Hudson provide bill credits for excess energy sent back to the grid. This combination of strong installer competition and generous financial incentives makes Leeds and the greater Catskills area a very attractive market for homeowners considering solar.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Leeds regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Leeds, New York.
For a typical Leeds home, a 6-8 kW solar system can range from $18,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, New York State offers significant savings through the NY-Sun Megawatt Block incentive, which provides a direct cash rebate, and a 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000) on top of the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, your system will be exempt from state sales tax and will not increase your property tax assessment for 15 years, making the net cost much more affordable.
Leeds experiences four distinct seasons, with sunny summers and snowy winters. Solar production peaks in the long, sunny days of spring and summer. While winter brings shorter days and potential snow cover, modern panels are efficient in cold, clear weather and snow usually slides off angled panels quickly. Importantly, New York's net metering policy credits you for summer overproduction, which can offset your higher winter usage from heating, ensuring year-round savings.
Installation requires a building permit from the Town of Leeds and an electrical permit from Greene County. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. The most critical step is interconnection approval from your utility, Central Hudson Gas & Electric, which is mandated by NY state law. From signing a contract to "flipping the switch," the entire process in our region typically takes 2 to 4 months, with utility interconnection being a key variable.
Prioritize local or regional installers familiar with Catskills architecture, roof types (including older homes), and local building departments. Verify they are NYSERDA-approved installers and hold proper licensing (like a Greene County electrical license). Always check reviews and ask for references from recent Leeds-area installations. A trustworthy provider will conduct a detailed site assessment, explain the NY incentives clearly, and not use high-pressure sales tactics.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety reasons, even if the sun is shining. To have backup power, you must install a solar battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a valuable consideration for Leeds homeowners, as rural areas can experience longer outage durations. Many installers in the region now offer solar-plus-storage packages, which also qualify for the same state and federal tax credits.