Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Maryland, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional installer and a premier partner of SunPower, known for high-efficiency panels and comprehensive service. They offer in-house consultation, design, installation, and maintenance, with a strong focus on customer education and premium equipment.
A locally-owned and operated company based in nearby Amsterdam, providing personalized service for residential and commercial projects. They are known for their expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid systems and their deep knowledge of local incentives and permitting.
A rapidly growing solar installer that has expanded its service area to Upstate New York. They are recognized for streamlined processes, competitive pricing, and a strong focus on making solar accessible through various financing and leasing options.
The home solar market in and around Maryland, New York, is characteristic of the broader Upstate NY region. It is a competitive and mature market driven by strong state-level incentives like NY-SUN and the Megawatt Block program, which directly reduce installation costs. The area also benefits from net metering policies, allowing homeowners to receive credit for excess power generated. The **average quality** of installers is high, as New York State has rigorous licensing and insurance requirements. Companies operating here must be well-versed in the specific rules of NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority). **Competition** is robust among regional and national installers, which helps keep pricing competitive and encourages high service standards. However, consumers should remain diligent in comparing quotes and company reputations. **Typical pricing** for a residential system in this region, before incentives, generally ranges from $15,000 to $30,000, heavily dependent on system size and equipment quality. After applying the 30% federal tax credit and NYSERDA incentives, the out-of-pocket cost for homeowners can be significantly reduced, often by 40-50%. Most providers offer a variety of financing options, including loans, leases, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), to accommodate different budgets.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Maryland regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Maryland, New York.
Both states offer strong incentives. Maryland provides a state tax credit of up to $1,000, and New York offers a 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000). Critically, both participate in net metering, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid. Additionally, you are eligible for the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), making the overall financial package very attractive.
Solar panels operate efficiently in cold, sunny weather, making crisp winter days productive. While winter has shorter days and potential snow cover (which panels shed easily on sloped roofs), the region's sunny summers generate significant output. The annual production is more than sufficient, with systems designed for your specific location's "sun-hours" to meet yearly energy needs despite seasonal variation.
In Maryland and New York, the full process typically takes 3 to 6 months. This timeline includes site assessment, engineering, securing local permits and interconnection approval from your utility (like Con Edison or BGE), installation, and final inspections. Delays can occur due to local permit office schedules or utility interconnection backlogs, which a reputable local installer will help navigate.
Prioritize installers with extensive local experience in your specific county or utility territory, as they will understand nuanced permitting and interconnection rules. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by NABCEP. Crucially, review their portfolio of local installations and read customer reviews to assess their reputation for handling regional challenges like roof penetrations for snow loads or ice dams.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety, to protect utility workers. To have power during an outage, you need a system with battery storage (like a Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell). This is a valuable consideration in New York and Maryland, where storms can cause outages. Many installers now offer solar-plus-storage packages specifically for backup power.