Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Manlius, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Renovus Solar is a locally owned and operated leader in the New York State solar industry. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and design to installation and maintenance. They have a strong focus on customer education and offer a wide range of financing options, including their own in-house loan program.
Syracuse Solar has built a strong reputation in Central New York for its straightforward, customer-focused approach. They specialize in grid-tied residential systems and are experts in navigating New York State incentives, including NY-SUN and the Megawatt Block program. They partner with top-tier manufacturers like SunPower and Tesla.
While headquartered on Long Island, SUNation has a significant and dedicated presence in Upstate New York, serving the Manlius area. They are a larger, well-established company that brings extensive experience and robust manufacturer partnerships to the table. They offer a full suite of services, including dedicated maintenance and repair plans.
** The home solar market in Manlius, NY, and the greater Syracuse area is robust and competitive, characterized by a mix of strong local/regional installers and a few larger state-wide companies. The average quality is high, as companies must be approved by NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) to offer state-backed incentives, which ensures a baseline of professionalism and technical competence. Competition is healthy, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system in this region is competitive with national averages, but the final cost is significantly offset by a combination of the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC), the NYS solar tax credit, and NYSERDA Megawatt Block incentives. Homeowners can expect to discuss a variety of financing options, including cash purchases, solar loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). The market is predominantly focused on grid-tied systems with battery storage becoming an increasingly popular add-on for energy resilience.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Manlius regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Manlius, New York.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Manlius, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Additionally, New York State offers the NY-Sun Megawatt Block Incentive, which provides a direct cash rebate per watt installed, and you benefit from a property tax exemption on the added home value from solar. Net costs are often significantly lower after these combined incentives.
Solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather and actually produce well in winter, though shorter days reduce total output. Snow typically slides off angled panels quickly, and any minor covering melts rapidly due to the dark, absorbent surface. The key seasonal consideration is planning your system size to generate enough credits during sunny months to offset higher usage and lower production in winter through National Grid's net metering program.
Installation requires a building permit from the Town of Manlius Building Department. If your home is in a historic district or has a homeowners association (HOA), there may be additional architectural review, though New York State law (Property Tax Law § 487) restricts HOAs from unreasonably prohibiting solar installations. Your installer should handle the permit process, interconnection agreement with National Grid, and ensure compliance with all New York State Fire Code setback requirements for roof-mounted systems.
Prioritize local or regional installers with extensive experience in Onondaga County, as they understand local codes, utility requirements, and climate considerations. Verify they are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and are a NYSERDA-approved installer eligible for state incentives. Always check reviews, ask for references from local installations, and compare multiple detailed proposals that include equipment specifications, production estimates, and warranty terms.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety, meaning you will not have power unless you add a battery storage solution. Many homeowners in Manlius pair their solar with a battery like the Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell to provide essential backup power. This is a highly recommended addition given our region's weather, as it stores excess solar energy for use at night or during grid failures.