Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Paul Smiths, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
SunCommon is a regional leader in home solar with a strong mission-driven focus on community and accessibility. They are one of the most prominent solar installers in New York State, known for their comprehensive service from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance. They have extensive experience with the climate and utility requirements of the North Country.
A local contractor based in the Adirondacks, North Country Energy has built an excellent reputation for high-quality workmanship and personalized service. They specialize in both solar PV and wood/ pellet boiler systems, making them a strong choice for comprehensive home energy solutions. Their deep local knowledge is a significant advantage for site-specific challenges.
ADK Solar is a dedicated solar installation company located in Plattsburgh, serving the entire Adirondack region, including Paul Smiths. They emphasize custom-designed systems to maximize energy production and savings for each specific home. They are well-versed in local incentives and navigating the interconnection process with National Grid.
** The home solar market in Paul Smiths, NY, is characterized by a small but highly specialized and competitive field of regional and local providers. Due to its remote location within the Adirondack Park, the market is not saturated with large national companies, which has allowed skilled local contractors to thrive. The average quality of service is high, as companies must be adept at handling the region's unique challenges, including heavy snow loads, complex shading from trees, and navigating both grid-tied and off-grid applications for more remote properties. Competition is strong among the few established players, who differentiate themselves through superior customer service, deep local knowledge, and expertise in robust, four-season system design. Typical pricing for a residential system is generally in line with the New York state average, but can be slightly higher due to increased logistics and travel for installations. Homeowners benefit significantly from New York State's strong solar incentives, including NYSERDA grants and the NY Sun Initiative, as well as the 30% federal tax credit, all of which reputable local installers are proficient in helping customers secure.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Paul Smiths regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Paul Smiths, New York.
Solar panels are very effective in Paul Smiths, as they generate power from daylight, not heat, and cold temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency. While snow cover will temporarily halt production, panels are installed at an angle to help snow shed, and the abundant summer sun provides excellent generation to offset winter usage. Many systems in our climate are designed to produce a surplus in sunnier months to build credits with your utility (net metering) for use during darker periods.
The average cost for a residential solar system in Northern New York ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit, which significantly reduces the net cost. New York State also offers additional incentives, including the NY-Sun Megawatt Block incentive (which provides a direct rebate) and a robust net metering policy with National Grid, allowing you to earn credits for excess power you send to the grid.
Permitting is handled through the Town of Brighton or your specific township, and most have become familiar with solar projects. There are no widespread restrictive zoning ordinances against rooftop solar in the area, but if your home is in a historic district or has unique aesthetic covenants, there may be additional review. A reputable local installer will manage the entire permitting process with the town and Franklin County, ensuring compliance with all New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code requirements.
It's essential to choose a provider with extensive experience in the Adirondack climate. Look for established local or regional companies (there are several based in the North Country) that understand snow load calculations, optimal panel angles for our latitude, and navigating National Grid's interconnection process. Always check for NYSERDA-approved installers, verify licenses and insurance, and ask for references from recent installations in Franklin or St. Lawrence counties to see their work firsthand.
A professional site assessment is critical. While Paul Smiths has a high number of cloudy days, modern panels perform well in diffuse light. The primary local consideration is shading from trees, especially deciduous trees that lose leaves in winter. An installer will analyze your specific roof's sun exposure (using tools like Aurora Solar), recommend tree trimming if necessary, and design a system size that meets your energy goals despite seasonal variations, ensuring a worthwhile investment.