Choosing a Contractor

The more you learn about solar, the more prepared you will be to have an informed conversation with a contractor. To learn more about the basics of solar energy, visit our Solar 101 page.

We recommend asking three contractors that work in your area for proposals.

When shopping around for proposals, contractor qualifications are a key consideration alongside cost. Contractors that have NYSERDA “Quality Solar Installer” designation have consistently achieved top-tier performance and met annual quality assurance criteria. Keep in mind that contractors with Gold or Platinum Status have earned Quality Solar Installer designation for three and six consecutive years, respectively.

When meeting with a contractor, be prepared to provide them with details on how much you currently pay for electricity, including all fees and taxes. You will also need to give the contractor a year’s worth of your electricity usage information to determine the system size. This can usually be found on your most recent electric bill.

• Take time to carefully review and compare the proposals. For example, your proposals may include options to purchase or lease your solar panels, options for a power purchase agreement (PPA), and options for financing.
• If it is not already included in the proposal, be sure to discuss who is responsible for obtaining and paying for any permits, inspections, and approvals before you sign.
• Double check to make sure that all numbers used in the proposal are accurate. If your proposal mentions any tax credits, we recommend having an accountant or tax professional verify that you are eligible for them.
• This is also a good time to look into whether installing solar will affect your property taxes. Although New York State tax law (RPTL 487) provides a 15-year property tax exemption for renewable energy systems, some municipalities have opted out of the exemption, meaning residents who install solar in those towns may have to pay additional property taxes. To determine if your municipality has opted out of RPTL 487, call your local tax assessor's office, or review this list of municipalities that have opted out .
• If you are working with an accountant or tax professional to calculate your potential tax credits, they can help you look into any changes that may occur to your property taxes after your solar installation.

Once you have decided which contractor you want to work with, your contractor will handle the vast majority of the project work for you. We recommend having regular contact with your contractor so you can stay informed about how your solar project is moving forward.

Here are some of the things you should expect from your solar contractor once you have selected one to work with:

• A customer purchase/lease agreement. This is an important document that is designed to protect you, the customer.
• A copy of your project’s NY-Sun incentive application for your records. Please note that your contractor must file the incentive application on your behalf.
• A no-cost home energy assessment. Residential customers are encouraged, but not required, to complete any additional home energy efficiency upgrades recommended by their participating contractor. These additional energy upgrades are intended to make sure your home and solar panels are operating as efficiently as possible.

Your contractor will be notified directly by NY-Sun whether your incentive application was approved or denied. Your contractor will then notify you about the status of your application.

• An approval will specify the incentive amount for your project and a required timeline for finishing your project.
• A denial will include the reasons why your application was not approved, allowing you and your contractor to make corrections and resubmit.
• All projects must be completed within 365 days from the date of NY-Sun approval. We recommend that you help your contractor keep track of this deadline to avoid having your incentive canceled. NY-Sun occasionally grants extensions on a case-by-case basis.

Once your incentive application has been approved, your contractor should start scheduling your installation.

After your installation is complete, your contractor will set up a required inspection by your municipality and your interconnection to the grid. Please note, these steps may take some time due to the popularity of solar in New York State.

Once your system is up and running and your contractor has completed all the necessary paperwork, you can start powering your home with clean energy from the sun!