April 9, 2020
Finding the right solar contractor is one of the most important steps in your journey to a renewable energy system for your home. New York is one of the most popular solar states in the country, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of solar contractors operating statewide. With some tips from NYSERDA, and a very useful solar contractor map, we’ve put together a quick guide to finding an established, reputable solar contractor for your clean energy project.
Learn About Solar
Understanding how solar energy works and how it can offset your utility bill is a great first step for anyone interested in pursuing a solar installation. NYSERDA, as part of the NY-Sun solar initiative, have published an excellent FAQ which covers all the basics of solar power and outlines the key benefits of going solar. You can read the FAQ here. Of course, the best way to learn about solar is to speak directly with an expert in the field. Contact YSG today, or call the office at 212.389.9215.
Is Solar Viable For You?
Unfortunately, a rooftop solar installation isn’t possible for everybody, so it’s important to determine the viability of a solar project for your own home or business.
Property: You’ll need space for the panels, of course, which can be difficult somewhere like NYC. Ideally, panels will be installed on a south-facing roof with minimal shade. If your roof is in poor condition it may need to be repaired. Additionally, if you have the space, a ground-mounted solar array is also an option.
Financing: A solar project can be financed in a number of different ways—lease, loan, power purchase agreement—so it’s important to determine the best payment option for your situation. Your chosen solar company will help to find the ideal financing option.
Community: Depending on the location of your property, you may have to consult with the local homeowners’ association to see if a solar panel installation is permissible.
Not to worry though, if you can’t install solar panels directly on your property, community solar offers all the same benefits with added flexibility. Click here for the YSG community solar FAQ.
The Role of the Solar Installer
Your solar installer will, of course, play a huge role the success of your solar project, taking care of:
Site assessment to determine viability of project and ideal solar panel placement.
Application paperwork and helping to find the best financing options.
System installation and submission of required paperwork to NYSERDA.
With this level of involvement, it’s important to choose an experienced New York solar installer.
How to Find a Solar Contractor
The NYSERDA Solar Contractor Map is an excellent resource and a great starting point for any New Yorker seeking a solar contractor. The table on the NYSERDA site lists a whole host of New York solar installers—including YSG—and you can filter by county to find the ideal installer for your location. Key factors to consider include:
References: Most installers will have an online presence and you can seek out reviews on Google to get an idea of how they operate. Better yet, you can try and get some references and speak directly with customers who have previously worked with the installer. In fact, the YSG Solar ‘Refer a Friend’ program offers a reward for past customers who turn a friend/family member/neighbor onto YSG.
Proposals: You’ll want to get a proposal from your prospective solar contractor to see how much you could save with solar. The salesperson will ask for details of your current electric bill and electricity usage in order to determine the potential savings of your solar system.
Finances: Review the proposal carefully and ensure that you understand the method of financing your system. It’s also important to ask who is responsible for payments concerning permitting & inspections. Additionally, you should consult with a tax professional to make sure you are eligible for tax credits, and find out if your property tax will be affected by the solar array.
If you’re satisfied with the proposal and everything looks good then it’s time to sign the contract and move ahead with your solar project.
If you’re looking for a residential solar contractor in NYC, look no further—simply contact YSG Solar today. YSG has been operating in the solar industry for over ten years, working on countless residential and commercial installations throughout the state of New York and beyond. Send us an email, or call at 212.389.9215 to get started.
By Shane Croghan
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