Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Schenectady, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Trinity Solar is one of the largest residential solar providers in the Northeast. They are a vertically integrated company, handling everything from consultation and design to installation and financing in-house. Their strength lies in their extensive experience, strong manufacturer partnerships, and comprehensive service offerings.
As a SunPower Master Dealer, this company offers some of the most efficient solar panels on the market. They are known for high-quality installations, exceptional customer service, and a strong focus on energy efficiency and battery storage solutions like the SunVault.
Apex Solar is a highly-rated, locally-owned and operated installer based in the Capital Region. They have built a stellar reputation for personalized service, attention to detail, and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. Their high review scores reflect a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
The home solar market in Schenectady, New York, is robust and competitive, benefiting from New York State's strong supportive policies like NY-SUN and the NYSERDA Megawatt Block incentive program. The market features a mix of large national players with local offices (like Trinity Solar) and exceptional regional specialists (like Apex Solar and SunPower by EmPower Solar). The average quality of installers is high, as NYSERDA's NY-SUN program encourages certified and vetted partnerships. Competition is healthy, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on service quality. Typical pricing for a residential system ranges from $15,000 to $30,000 before incentives, heavily dependent on system size and equipment. The 30% federal tax credit and additional state incentives can significantly reduce the net cost, making solar an increasingly attractive investment for Schenectady homeowners.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Schenectady regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Schenectady, New York.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Schenectady, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). New York State offers additional incentives, including the NY-Sun Megawatt Block incentive (which provides a direct rebate per watt) and a state tax credit of up to $5,000. You also benefit from net metering with National Grid, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid.
Solar panels are very effective in Schenectady's climate. They generate electricity from daylight, not just direct sun, and perform well in cold temperatures. Snow typically melts and slides off angled panels quickly, and the reflective quality of snow can even boost production on clear days. System designs account for our average of 180 sunny days per year, with peak production in spring and summer offsetting lower winter output, ensuring annual savings.
Installing solar in Schenectady requires a building permit from the City of Schenectady's Building Department. Your installer should handle this process, which includes submitting structural and electrical plans for review. After installation, inspections are required by both the City building inspector and a representative from National Grid before your system can be interconnected to the grid and activated.
Look for providers who are NYSERDA-approved installers and have strong experience with National Grid's interconnection process. Check for local references and physical office presence in the Capital Region. Ensure they are licensed and insured in New York, and review their warranty offerings. It's wise to get multiple quotes and ask specifically about their experience with Schenectady's permit timelines and handling snow load calculations for local roofs.
No, in New York State, a residential solar energy system is exempt from property tax increases for 15 years. This means the added value from your solar installation will not raise your property tax assessment during this period. This exemption, combined with the fact that solar installations typically increase home value, makes it a financially protected investment for Schenectady homeowners.