Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Summit, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading B-Corp certified solar provider in the Hudson Valley and Upstate New York region, known for its community-focused approach and comprehensive service from consultation to maintenance. They emphasize making solar accessible with strong financing knowledge and partnerships.
A well-established national company with a strong Northeast presence, including service to Upstate NY. They are recognized for their streamlined process, robust leasing and PPA options, and partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company based in the Capital Region, giving them specific expertise with Upstate NY's climate, utility policies, and incentive programs. They offer custom design and a full suite of services, including energy efficiency assessments.
** The home solar market in and around Summit, NY, is characteristic of a rural Upstate New York community. It is not saturated with a high volume of hyper-local installers but is robustly served by a handful of highly reputable regional companies. These providers have established trust by operating for a decade or more and understanding the specific needs of the area, such as dealing with snow load, navigating NYSEG interconnection, and maximizing New York State-specific incentives like NY-Sun. **Average Quality:** The quality is high, as the companies that succeed in this competitive regional market are typically well-licensed, insured, and carry certifications from organizations like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there aren't dozens of installers physically located in Summit, the competition to serve the broader region is strong among a few top-tier companies, which helps maintain high service standards and competitive pricing. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before federal and state incentives. For an average 8kW system, the gross cost is typically between $22,400 and $28,000. The strong state incentives and financing options can significantly reduce the net cost and monthly payments for 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 Summit regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Summit, New York.
For a typical 8kW system in Summit, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $25,000 to $35,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). New York State also offers additional incentives, including a $5,000 tax credit for systems under 25kW and the NY-Sun Megawatt Block Incentive, which provides a direct rebate that lowers your upfront cost. Local net metering with NYSEG further enhances long-term savings.
Summit's climate is characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Solar panels are actually more efficient in cooler temperatures, and snow will usually melt and slide off angled panels quickly. The key factor is the number of sunny days; while winter production is lower due to shorter days and potential snow cover, the summer months provide strong production, and the system will generate ample power year-round, especially with proper snow management.
Installing solar in Summit requires a building permit from the Town of Summit Building Department. Your installer will typically handle this process, ensuring the system meets New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code (Uniform Code) and local zoning requirements. You will also need to coordinate with your utility, NYSEG, for interconnection approval to connect your system to the grid and enroll in net metering.
Prioritize installers who are familiar with local permit processes, NYSEG's interconnection requirements, and New York State incentive programs. Look for established, licensed (NYSE Licensed Master Electricians), and insured contractors. Check for certifications like NABCEP and read reviews from other local homeowners. A reputable local provider will offer a detailed site assessment that accounts for Summit's specific shading, roof orientation, and snow load considerations.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety reasons, to protect utility workers. To have power during an outage in Summit, you need a solar-plus-battery storage system, like a Tesla Powerwall or similar. This stores excess energy for use anytime, providing critical backup power. Given the rural nature of parts of Schoharie County and occasional severe weather, adding storage is a popular and practical upgrade for local homeowners.