Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Salem, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading community-focused solar installer in the Northeast, SunCommon is known for its streamlined process, strong customer education, and comprehensive service offerings from consultation to maintenance. They are a Certified B Corporation.
Apex Solar is a highly-rated, veteran-owned installer based in Saratoga Springs with a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and customer service. They handle the entire process in-house, including design, permitting, and installation.
A New York-based company specializing in custom solar solutions for both residential and commercial properties. They are praised for their personalized design approach and expertise in complex installations, including off-grid systems.
The home solar market in Salem, New York, is characteristic of a rural, upstate community. It is not served by a high volume of local, in-town installers but is effectively covered by several established and highly-competitive regional companies from the Capital District and Glens Falls areas. The competition among these regional players is strong, leading to good options for homeowners. The average quality of service is high, as these companies have built their reputations on serving multiple rural townships. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with state averages, generally ranging from **$15,000 to $30,000** before the 30% federal tax credit and other state incentives (like NYSERDA's Megawatt Block incentive). Homeowners in Salem benefit from New York's supportive solar policies, including net metering, which these providers are well-versed in navigating.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Salem regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Salem, New York.
A typical residential solar system in the Salem area ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Homeowners can significantly reduce this cost through the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and New York State's specific incentives, including the NY-Sun Megawatt Block Incentive, which provides a direct cash rebate. Additionally, Salem residents benefit from NY's property tax exemption for solar, ensuring your assessment won't increase due to the installation.
While Salem experiences shorter winter days and snow cover, modern solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather and are installed at an angle that helps snow slide off. Annual production is strong because our summers provide long, sunny days, and the system is designed to generate surplus energy during those months to offset lower winter production. It's important to have a system sized by a local provider who understands our specific seasonal production patterns in Washington County.
Prioritize installers who are NYSERDA-approved and have specific experience with installations in Washington County and the surrounding rural areas. They should be familiar with local permitting, National Grid's interconnection process, and the unique structural considerations of older homes common in Salem. Always check for proper licensing (like a NY electrical license), strong local references, and warranties that cover both equipment and workmanship for the long term.
The full process typically takes 3 to 6 months. This timeline includes site assessment, system design, securing permits from the Town of Salem, approval from your utility (National Grid), the physical installation, and the final inspection and interconnection. Seasonal weather can impact the installation schedule, so starting the process in late winter or early spring is ideal for a summer activation.
For properties with sufficient land, a ground-mounted solar array is an excellent and common alternative in rural Salem. This option can be more efficient as it's easier to optimize the angle and avoid shading. Another option is to explore community solar projects through NYSERDA's program, which allows you to subscribe to a share of a larger, local solar farm and receive credits on your National Grid bill without any on-site installation.