Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
High-quality solar panel installation in Babylon, New York, requires a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve assembled a list of the best solar panel companies in Babylon.
Before choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, screen potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Babylon or go with an established national brand.
While solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that moving to solar energy lets Babylon homeowners to save around $900 per year.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Before arranging your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Search for Babylon solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so make a note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Homeowners in Babylon are well-positioned for solar energy since the area receives a lot of sunshine. The top reasons to transition to solar power include these:
Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select accessories like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
Based on statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA the typical price to install solar panels in Babylon is $9,930.
Putting in solar panels requires substantial spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through big reductions in your energy bills down the line.
Homeowners in Babylon who fully switch to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage affect the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
Beyond cost savings, switching to solar power also decreases your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Babylon homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Specific programs are available statewide to all New York residents, while others differ based on municipality, utility company and city.
According to the DSIRE, these are the solar incentives available for New York residents:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
PACE Financing State of NY Commercial PACE Financing Program | Locally determined |
Personal Tax Credit Residential Solar Tax Credit | 25% for solar-electric (PV) and solar-thermal systems; for third-party owned systems this is in reference to the aggregate amount owed under the contract rather than the amount owed in any single year |
Corporate Tax Credit Refundable Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit (Corporate) | $0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel |
Loan Program NY-Sun Loan Program | Residential Customers: $1,500 - $25,000 Small Business and Not-for-Profit Organizations: Participation Loans: up to $100,000 (at low interest rate) On-Bill Recovery loans: $50,000 at 2% |
Sales Tax Incentive Residential Wood Heating Fuel Exemption | 100% exemption |
Sales Tax Incentive Local Option - Solar Sales Tax Exemption | Upon local authorization, 100% exemption from local sales tax |
Sales Tax Incentive Solar Sales Tax Exemption | 100% exemption from state sales tax |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Real Property Tax Exemption for Green Buildings | Upon local adoption, 20% - 100% of real property taxes owed; varies by year and certification level |
Property Tax Incentive Energy Conservation Improvements Property Tax Exemption | 100% of the value added to the residence by the improvements |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option - Solar, Wind & Biomass Energy Systems Exemption | 100% exemption for 15 years (unless local jurisdiction has opted out) |
Rebate Program NY-Sun PV Incentive Program (Residential, Low-Income, and Small Business) | Incentive rates step down over time as MW goals are met. Incentive rates as of 11/27/2019 are: Residential: Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed) Con Edison Region: $0.30/W Upstate Region: $0.35/W Low-to-Moderate income customers: $0.80/W (up to 10 kW) Small Commercial (Non-Residential):Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed) Con Edison Region: $0.60/W Up State Region: $0.45/W Multifamily Affordable Housing Adder: additional $0.40/W (up to 50 kW) |
Rebate Program PSEG Long Island - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Appliances Advanced Power Strips: $10 - $20 Air Purifier: $25 - $50 Clothes Dryer: $50 - $250 Clothes Washer: $50 Dehumidifier: $30 Dishwasher: $50 Exhaust Fan: $20 - $25 Electric Freezer: $30 Heat Pump Water Heater: $650 Pool Pumps: $150 - $350 Refrigerator: $50 Refrigerator Recycling: $50 Lighting Instant Rebates Vary by Product Bulk Light Purchases: Up to $2 - $3/unit Cooling & Heating Central Air Conditioning: $450 Smart Thermostat: $85 Ground Source Heat Pump: $2,000/ton |
Rebate Program Ground Source Heat Pump Rebate Program | Small Systems (≤ 10 cooling tons): $1,500/cooling ton Large Systems (> 10 cooling tons): $1,200/cooling ton |
Loan Program Home Performance with ENERGY STAR | See Website |
Other Incentive NY Green Bank | See Website |
Personal Tax Credit Refundable Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit (Personal) | $0.01/gallon for each percent of biodiesel |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these key considerations.
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t big enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire home.
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the required permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, rain and severe weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need a higher amount of panels with increased wattage.
To store additional energy, a lot of panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature is essential during storms and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage can result in higher setup expenses.
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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