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.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in West Babylon, New York, you'll need to find a properly certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the leading solar companies in West Babylon to help you select the right one.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet the installers you're considering and collect quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can choose a local solar company in West Babylon or choose an established national brand.
While putting in solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that switching to solar energy enables West Babylon homeowners to save an average of $900 annually.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Prior to scheduling your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Look for West 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 good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
The West Babylon region gets plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to capitalize on solar energy. Here are some of the major reasons to go solar:
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by your system size, roof orientation, sunlight availability, shading, labor costs and area. Selecting accessories such as animal guards, solar trackers or batteries will raise the overall cost.
In West Babylon, solar panel installation costs an average of $9,930, according to data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA.
While solar panel installation might be a big initial cost, you stand to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
Homeowners in West Babylon who move completely 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.
Transitioning to solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
There are multiple solar incentives available to homeowners in West Babylon. Various programs extend to all New York residents, while others depend on your utility company, municipality and city.
The following solar incentives are available for New York residents, as listed in DSIRE:
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. |
Consider the following before hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
Your solar panel system's size is contingent upon your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and may require larger solar panel systems. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the proper 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 enough sunlight, you may need additional panels with increased wattage.
Many solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries preserve extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to avoid power loss during inclement weather. Installing battery storage might affect the cost of installation.
Multiple solar panel varieties are available, each differing in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors impact pricing, the frequency of replacing panels and the amount of roof space you'll need.
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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