The Best Home Solar in Richmond Hill, NY

Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Richmond Hill, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.

#1

EmPower Solar

4.8
(280 reviews)
Verified

A leading local solar and battery storage installer serving Long Island and NYC for over two decades. They are known for their high-quality installations, exceptional customer service, and deep expertise in navigating New York incentives and utility requirements. They handle the entire process in-house from design to permitting to installation.

(Serves from their Long Island office, but extensively serves all NYC boroughs) 75 N. Tyson Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580

Specialties & Features

Battery storage system installation
Solar financing and leasing options
Energy efficiency assessments

Business Information

Years in Business:25 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#2

SUNation Energy

4.7
(450 reviews)
Verified

A family-owned and operated premier solar installer based on Long Island with a strong presence in the NYC metro area. They have a reputation for robust system design, quality craftsmanship, and offering a wide range of products, including Tesla Powerwall and SunPower panels. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting their commitment to social and environmental performance.

(Serves from their Long Island office) 7 Michael Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735

Specialties & Features

Residential solar panel installation
Solar panel maintenance and repair
Manufacturer partnerships and warranties

Business Information

Years in Business:20 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes
#3

Brooklyn SolarWorks

4.6
(120 reviews)
Verified

This company specializes exclusively in solar installations for NYC's unique building architecture, particularly flat roofs and brownstones. Their signature "SolarStrong" system is a low-profile, non-penetrating racking solution designed for NYC's tar-based roofs. Their expertise is unparalleled for the specific challenges of the five boroughs.

453 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11215 (Serves Queens and Richmond Hill directly)

Specialties & Features

Solar energy system design and consultation
Grid-tied solar solutions for flat roofs
Solar panel cleaning services

Business Information

Years in Business:10 years
Licensed:Yes
Insured:Yes

Why These Are the Top Home Solar Contractors in Richmond Hill

** The home solar market in Richmond Hill, NY, is mature and highly competitive, driven by New York State's ambitious climate goals and attractive financial incentives like NY-SUN and the NYSERDA Megawatt Block Incentive. The market is split between national providers (e.g., Sunrun, Tesla) that leverage broad advertising and local/regional specialists (like the three listed above) that compete on deep local expertise and personalized service. **Average Quality:** The quality is generally high, as NYC's strict building codes and Con Edison's interconnection requirements necessitate professional, certified installations. The top-tier local companies often receive higher marks for customer service and navigating local bureaucracy compared to some national counterparts. **Competition Level:** High. Richmond Hill residents are frequently targeted by both door-to-door sales teams from national companies and sophisticated marketing from established local installers. This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and service offerings. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is at a premium compared to national averages due to higher labor costs, complex permitting, and unique installation challenges (e.g., flat roofs, fire code compliance). However, this is offset by some of the most generous state-level incentives in the country. A typical residential system in Richmond Hill can range from **$25,000 to $45,000+** before federal tax credits and state incentives, which can reduce the net cost by 30-50%. Financing options, including loans and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), are widely available.

High Ratings

4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews

Fully Licensed

All contractors are properly licensed and insured

Proven Experience

10+ years average experience in the industry

Local Experts

Familiar with Richmond Hill regulations and climate

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Solar in Richmond Hill

Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Richmond Hill, New York.

1What is the average cost of a home solar system in Richmond Hill, NY, and what incentives can help lower it?

For a typical 6-8 kW system in Richmond Hill, the gross cost before incentives is typically between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, you can significantly reduce this through the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), NYSERDA's Megawatt Block Incentive (which offers a per-watt rebate), and a valuable property tax exemption where your local property taxes won't increase due to the solar installation. Combined, these can reduce your net cost by 40-50%.

2How does the climate and seasonal weather in Richmond Hill affect solar panel production?

Richmond Hill's climate is very suitable for solar, with cold, sunny winters and warm summers. Panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, so you'll get strong production on clear winter days. While summer has longer days, heat can slightly reduce panel efficiency. Importantly, New York's net metering policy credits you for summer overproduction, which you can bank and use during shorter, cloudier winter days, ensuring year-round savings.

3Are there any specific local permits or regulations I need to know about for solar in Richmond Hill?

Yes, installation requires permits from the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) and must comply with the NYC Electrical Code. A key local consideration is that Richmond Hill is part of NYC's "Zone 1" for the Property Tax Abatement for Solar, making you eligible for that benefit. Your chosen installer should handle all permitting, including any required paperwork with Con Edison, your local utility.

4What should I look for when choosing a solar provider in the Queens/Richmond Hill area?

Prioritize providers with extensive experience navigating NYC's specific DOB permitting and Con Edison interconnection processes. Look for New York State licensed master electricians and installers who are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Always check local reviews and ask for references from recent installations in Queens to gauge their reliability and customer service.

5My roof is older/shaded by trees. Can I still go solar in Richmond Hill?

Possibly, but it requires careful evaluation. An installer will assess your roof's condition, age, and orientation; if repairs or replacement are needed, it's best to do that before installation. For shading from neighboring trees or buildings, modern microinverters or power optimizers can mitigate production losses on partially shaded roofs, making solar viable for many homes where older string inverter systems would not be.