Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Mc Lean, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Renovus Energy is a locally-owned and highly respected leader in the Finger Lakes solar industry. They are a certified B Corporation, emphasizing their commitment to social and environmental performance. They handle the entire process in-house, from design and financing to installation and maintenance, and are known for their expertise with the local climate and utility policies.
Taitem (Technologies and Techniques for a Improved Environment) is a well-established Ithaca-based firm that combines engineering consulting with practical installation. They are known for a rigorous, design-focused approach, making them an excellent choice for complex projects, energy efficiency assessments, and off-grid solutions.
While headquartered further north, SunCommon is a major player in the New York residential solar market with a strong presence in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions. They are a certified B Corp and are particularly noted for their accessible financing, community-focused model, and strong manufacturer partnerships.
The home solar market in the Mc Lean/Ithaca area is mature and highly competitive, characterized by a strong community focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The average quality of providers is very high, with several long-standing, locally-rooted companies holding advanced certifications and excellent reputations. **Competition Level:** High. Residents have multiple top-tier local and regional companies to choose from, which helps maintain strong service standards and competitive pricing. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with state and national averages. The final cost is heavily influenced by the unique incentives available. New York State offers some of the most generous solar incentives in the country, including: * **NY-SUN Megawatt Block Incentives:** A direct cash incentive that reduces the upfront cost. * **NYSERDA Solar Tax Credit:** A state tax credit up to $5,000. * **Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC):** 30% of the system cost credited against federal taxes. * **Net Metering:** Full retail credit for excess energy sent back to the grid. A typical residential system before incentives might range from $20,000 to $40,000, but after applying all available incentives and tax credits, the out-of-pocket cost can be significantly lower. All top providers are well-versed in these programs and assist customers with the application process.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Mc Lean regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Mc Lean, New York.
For a typical 8-10 kW system in Mc Lean, the average gross cost ranges from $25,000 to $35,000 before incentives. New York 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. You also benefit from net metering with NYSEG, allowing you to earn credits for excess power sent to the grid.
While winter days are shorter, solar panels are very efficient in cold, clear weather and can still produce significant energy. Snow will temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle, so snow typically slides off easily, and their dark surfaces accelerate melting. It's important to ensure your installer factors in proper snow load calculations for your roof structure, which is standard practice for local providers.
Your solar provider will typically handle all permitting, which includes the Town of Dryden building permit, an electrical permit, and interconnection approval from NYSEG. New York State has streamlined solar permitting through the NY-Sun initiative, but local fire and building code reviews, especially regarding roof setbacks for firefighter access, are a standard part of the process in Tompkins County.
Prioritize installers who are NYSERDA-approved and have strong experience in Tompkins County. Check for certifications like NABCEP and read verified local reviews on platforms like EnergySage. Always get multiple detailed quotes and ask for references from recent installations in nearby communities like Dryden or Freeville to see their work firsthand.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during an outage for safety. To have backup power, you must install a solar battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This is a valuable consideration in Mc Lean, where winter storms can cause outages. Many installers now offer solar-plus-storage packages, and NYSERDA offers an additional rebate for pairing batteries with solar.