Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Old Chatham, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Apex Solar is a leading regional installer known for its comprehensive in-house services, from initial design and consultation to installation and maintenance. They are a certified installer for top-tier equipment and have a strong reputation for customer service and handling complex projects, including battery storage integration.
SunCommon is a prominent B-Corp certified company focused on making solar accessible in New York and Vermont. They are highly regarded for their community-focused approach, transparent pricing, and expertise in local and state incentives. They offer a full suite of services, including energy efficiency assessments.
As the name implies, this company specializes exclusively in the New York market, giving them deep knowledge of NYSERDA incentives and local regulations. They provide end-to-end service and pride themselves on custom system design and strong manufacturer partnerships.
The home solar market in Old Chatham, NY, is characteristic of the broader Hudson Valley and Capital Region. It is a mature and competitive market with a mix of large regional players and specialized local contractors. The average quality of service is high, as companies must compete on reputation, expertise with New York's specific climate and incentive structures (like NYSERDA programs and net metering), and comprehensive service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, but the strong state and federal incentives significantly reduce the net cost for homeowners. Consumers in this area are generally well-informed and have several excellent, reputable options to choose from, all of which offer strong warranties and financing options.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Old Chatham regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Old Chatham, New York.
Old Chatham experiences four distinct seasons, which significantly impact solar production. Summer offers the most sunlight and highest energy generation, while shorter winter days with potential snow cover reduce output. However, solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather, and modern systems are designed to handle snow, which often slides off angled panels. Annual production will be cyclical, but a properly sized system will generate enough credits through NY's net metering to offset lower winter production.
Beyond the 30% federal solar tax credit, New York State offers powerful incentives. The NYSERDA Megawatt Block Incentive provides a direct cash rebate that reduces your upfront cost. Crucially, you can participate in net metering with Central Hudson Gas & Electric, earning bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid. You are also exempt from state sales tax on equipment and will see a 15-year property tax exemption on the added home value from your system.
As a town in Columbia County, Old Chatham has its own local zoning and building permit process. Your chosen installer should handle this, but it's wise to confirm. Key considerations include any historic district regulations, setback requirements from property lines, and rules regarding ground-mounted systems if you're not using your roof. A reputable local installer will be familiar with the Town of Chatham's specific permit requirements and building codes.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience installing in Columbia County and the Capital Region. They should be familiar with local inspectors and Central Hudson's interconnection process. Verify they are a NYSERDA-approved installer eligible for state incentives, check their licensing (NYS Electrical License), and read local reviews. Ask for references from recent installations in Old Chatham or nearby towns to see their work firsthand.
Generally, no. Solar panels are installed at an angle, and dark surfaces help melt snow, which usually slides off in sheets. Manually clearing snow is not recommended due to safety risks and potential damage to the panels. Your system is designed for annual production, and the strong summer sun will compensate. If a heavy, wet snow persists, production will pause temporarily, but it resumes quickly once the panels are clear.