8 Best Solar Companies in Rochester, NY (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 8 in Rochester based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Rochester, NY
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Rochester homeowner saves $1,327/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 01, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Rochester

As a homeowner in Rochester, you may be considering switching to solar power and wondering about the best solar companies in your city. Solar could be a great idea since it comes with a lot of benefits. You may have to spend a decent amount of money upfront for solar panels, but the switch will save you money on your utility bills over time. In fact, you can potentially save about $16,000 over 20 years.


There are tons of installers to choose from, but in this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Rochester.To help you find out if solar panels are something you should get for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Rochester by clicking the button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Rochester

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Paradise Energy Solutions

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Residential Panels

Website: https://www.paradisesolarenergy.com/locations/new-york/
Address: 2351 NY-14, Geneva, NY 14456
Phone: 6072433723
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Geotherm, Inc: Geothermal & Solar Experts

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: https://geothermhvac.com/
Address: 2226 N Rd, Scottsville, NY 14546
Phone: 5853052574
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar by CIR Rochester

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://www.solarbycir.com/
Address: 4050 W Ridge Rd Suite 131, Rochester, NY 14626
Phone: 5856675000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables Rochester

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels

Website: http://cedgreentechus.com/
Address: 465 Paul Rd, Rochester, NY 14624
Phone: 5854864900
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar & Wind FX Inc

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://www.solarandwindfx.com/
Address: 5115 S Hill Rd, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Phone: 5852292083
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Fusion Energy Services

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon EV Charger
  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Commercial Panels
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://fe-s.com/
Address: 278 Lima Rd, Geneseo, NY 14454
Phone: 5852438212
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Go Solar WNY

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Solar Roof Assessment
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: http://www.gosolarwny.com/
Address: 301 Walnut St, Lockport, NY 14094
Phone: 7168806000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Qwiksolar

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Residential Panels
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://www.qwiksolar.com/
Address: 1 Keuka Business Park, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: 3155710777

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Rochester

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Rochester based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Rochester


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for New York solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Rochester

Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you must first pay to install your system.A few important factors that affect how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time include:

  • Your location: This influences how much sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 0 of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $16,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
  • The cost of electricity in your area: If your local electricity rates are high, there's a good chance you'll end up with a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Rochester, you can save an average of $906 a month on your electricity bills.

Due to solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as several solar incentives, they are a solid investment for most homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Rochester

If you’re considering making the switch to solar energy, a variety of government incentives and subsidies can drastically lower your project costs and speed up the return on your investment.You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other local incentives. For more information about local incentives, visit our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Rochester

One of the best reasons to embrace solar energy is to cut your dependence on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are damaging for the environment.But how much can installing solar panels actually affect the environment? One thing to consider is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time in the car and have an electric vehicle, you can install solar panels on your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.In fact, if you install solar panels, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 20 pounds each year. The great things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with making the switch to solar.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Rochester, NY Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar panel installer is the best near me?

The top local solar company in Rochester is Paradise Energy Solutions, with a rating of 4.90 stars.

What are a few of the biggest pros and cons of installing solar panels?

A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your power bills, it’s good for the environment, and it can provide a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 15.4 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.

What is the efficiency of solar panels?

Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating of about 15 to 25%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them to meet your home's energy needs.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.