Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Long Island City, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly specialized provider focusing on the unique challenges of urban solar installation, particularly for brownstones and flat-roofed buildings common in NYC. They are renowned for their custom-designed "SolarSteep" racking system for flat roofs, which avoids roof penetrations. Their expertise in navigating NYC DOB permits and interconnection with Con Edison is a significant strength.
A leading Long Island-based company that has expanded its premium service into Queens and NYC. They are a full-service provider from design to maintenance and are a certified installer for top-tier equipment like LG and Tesla. They are particularly strong in integrating battery storage (Tesla Powerwall) for energy resilience.
One of the largest and most established regional solar providers, serving Long Island, NYC, and Westchester. They have a strong reputation for quality workmanship and customer service. They offer a wide array of financing options, including leases and PPAs, and have deep expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid solutions.
** The home solar market in Long Island City is a dynamic and competitive segment of the broader New York City solar industry. The market quality is generally high, driven by stringent NYC building and electrical codes, which necessitate experienced and well-licensed contractors. The competition is robust among a mix of specialized NYC-focused installers (like Brooklyn SolarWorks) and larger regional powerhouses (like EmPower Solar and SUNation). **Typical Pricing:** The cost for a residential system in LIC is typically higher than the national average due to urban installation complexities, higher labor costs, and NYC-specific permit requirements. A typical 6kW system can range from $25,000 to $40,000 before incentives. However, the financial landscape is favorable due to strong incentives, including the **26% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)**, the **NYC Property Tax Abatement** (which covers 20% of the system cost over 4 years), and NYSERDA incentives, which can reduce the net cost by 50% or more. The transition to net metering with Value Stack (VDER) in New York also provides attractive long-term compensation for solar energy exported to the grid. Consumers are advised to seek multiple quotes from established, local providers to ensure they receive a system designed for the unique urban environment of Long Island City.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Long Island City regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Long Island City, New York.
For a typical Long Island City home, a 6-8 kW solar system can cost between $20,000 and $30,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can significantly reduce this with the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), NY State's $5,000 tax credit, and a property tax abatement that exempts the added system value from your property taxes for 15 years. Con Edison also offers net metering, crediting you for excess power sent back to the grid.
While NYC has fewer annual peak sun hours than sunnier states, modern panels are highly efficient and perform well in our climate, even generating power on cloudy days. The primary local consideration is shading from neighboring buildings and potential roof obstructions; a professional site assessment is essential. Seasonal snow accumulation in winter can temporarily reduce output, but panels are angled to shed snow, and the reflective "albedo effect" from surrounding structures can sometimes boost production.
All installations require a NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) permit, which your installer should handle. For properties in a historic district or with landmark status, you'll need additional approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), which can affect panel placement. You must also comply with the NYC Fire Code, which may require specific pathways on the roof for firefighter access, a key consideration for the system layout.
Prioritize New York State licensed and insured installers (NYSERDA-approved) with extensive experience navigating NYC's specific DOB and Con Edison interconnection processes. Ask for multiple local references in Queens and review their portfolio of completed projects on rooftops similar to yours (e.g., flat roofs common in LIC). A trustworthy provider will conduct a detailed shading analysis and clearly explain how local fire codes impact your design.
Yes, but the process differs. For a condo, you typically need approval from the condo board and may explore a shared system for the building. For a 1-4 family home where you own the roof, you can install a system for your unit. Key local factors include ensuring your roof's structural integrity meets NYC code and navigating the shared meter and billing arrangements with Con Edison, which a knowledgeable local installer can manage.