Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Wading River, New York. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar with a significant presence on Long Island. They are known for their comprehensive service, from design to maintenance, and offer a variety of purchasing options, including their popular Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and lease programs, which require little to no money down. Their strong manufacturer partnerships and in-house monitoring provide a turnkey solution for homeowners.
A family-owned and operated Long Island leader in solar since 2005. SUNATION has built an exceptional reputation for high-quality custom installations and unparalleled customer service. They are a full-service provider handling everything from initial consultation and design to installation, maintenance, and repair. Their deep local knowledge of Suffolk County incentives and building codes is a significant advantage.
EmPower Solar is a highly respected, employee-owned company based on Long Island, known for its expertise in both solar and battery storage systems. They are a Certified B Corporation, reflecting their commitment to high social and environmental standards. They focus on energy independence and offer robust grid-tied and backup power solutions, making them an excellent choice for homeowners concerned with resilience.
** The home solar market in Wading River, and across Suffolk County, is mature and highly competitive. The average quality of providers is high, driven by stringent local building codes, the need for resilience due to Long Island's vulnerability to weather-related power outages, and high electricity costs from PSEG Long Island. This combination makes solar an attractive investment. **Competition Level:** High. Homeowners are serviced by a mix of national providers (like Sunrun) and strong regional players (like SUNATION and EmPower). This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing:** The gross cost for a typical residential solar panel system in New York ranges from **$15,000 to $35,000+** before incentives. However, the net cost is significantly lower due to the following: * **Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC):** 30% of the system cost can be claimed as a federal tax credit. * **New York State Tax Credit:** Up to $5,000. * **Local Incentives & Rebates:** PSEG Long Island may offer rebates, and NYSERDA often has programs. There is also a property tax abatement for solar in New York State. * **Net Metering:** Homeowners receive bill credits for excess energy their systems send back to the grid. The final price is highly dependent on system size, roof complexity, and the inclusion of battery storage, which can add $10,000 to $20,000 or more to the total cost but is increasingly popular for backup power.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Wading River regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Wading River, New York.
For a typical 8-10 kW system in Wading River, costs before incentives range from $25,000 to $35,000. Crucially, New York offers significant savings through the NY-Sun Megawatt Block incentive, which provides a direct cash rebate, and a 25% state tax credit (up to $5,000) on top of the 30% federal tax credit. You also benefit from net metering with PSEG Long Island, allowing you to earn bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid.
Wading River's four distinct seasons create a favorable solar profile: sunny summers generate peak production, while cooler spring and fall temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. Winter production is lower but snow typically melts quickly off panels due to their angle and dark surface, and the ample year-round sunlight makes solar highly effective. The coastal location means ensuring your installer uses corrosion-resistant hardware for longevity.
In the Town of Riverhead, you'll need a building permit and an electrical permit. Your chosen installer will typically manage this entire process. The timeline from signing a contract to "PTO" (Permission to Operate) from PSEG Long Island can take 2 to 4 months, with the utility interconnection agreement being a critical step. Working with a local installer familiar with Riverhead's specific requirements is key to a smooth process.
Prioritize providers licensed to operate in New York (NYSERDA-approved installers are a good sign) with extensive experience specifically on Long Island and with PSEG Long Island's interconnection process. Ask for references from recent installations in Riverhead or nearby communities, verify they handle all local permitting, and ensure they offer robust warranties. Local experience is vital for navigating Suffolk County's building codes and coastal wind load requirements.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a grid outage for safety, so you would not have power. To have backup power during Wading River's occasional storms, you must install a solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This is an excellent addition that stores excess solar energy for use at night or during outages, providing energy security and further increasing your independence from the utility grid.