Solar Liberty
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Author: Kaitlyn Short
Solar Liberty helps customers achieve energy independence by installing efficient solar electric systems. Solar Liberty also provides wholesale distribution of photovoltaic solar components.
Solar Liberty was founded in 2003 by Adam and Nathan Rizzo. The company saw fast growth within the industry and was named to the list of Inc. Magazine’s Fastest Growing Private Companies. The company was also named a Quality Solar Installer by NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority).
The lead installer for Solar Liberty holds a PV certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Additionally, Solar Liberty installers are eligible PV installers with the NYSERDA.
In addition to quality installations, Solar Liberty cares about giving back. The company sponsors its own foundation providing renewable energy resources to people in rural areas of developing countries. Every installation Solar Liberty conducts stateside can provide help to others around the world.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Industry Experience
- Varied Project Expertise
- Equipment Partnerships
- Service Area
- Financing Options
Industry Experience
With over 20 years in the solar industry, Solar Liberty is one of the more established solar companies out there. The company has installed more than 140 megawatts of solar.
Varied Project Expertise
Solar Liberty has developed large-scale, utility-grade solar power plants among other commercial solar projects and residential installs, so it is equipped to install your solar no matter the project size.
One unique offering by Solar Liberty is the company’s ability to service schools and universities. Through a partnership with multiple energy foundations, Solar Liberty can provide solar power to schools at a cost-saving rate. Schools and universities can take advantage of the numerous cost-saving, educational, and promotional benefits while simultaneously going green. Solar Liberty will assist through the design, installation, and financing of a school or university’s solar system process.
Solar Liberty also offers years of experience in community solar and solar farming. With community solar, utility companies can provide renewable power while streamlining grid integration. Solar farming can be a lucrative investment for farmers and landowners.
No matter the situation, if you have land or roof space, Solar Liberty can find a way to maximize that space for clean power and, in some cases, energy revenue generation.
Equipment Partnerships
Solar Liberty installs high-quality solar components, including some American-made equipment.
It is a certified installer for TESLA Powerwall batteries, SunPower Sunvault Storage Systems, and GENERAC solar systems including PWRcell smart inverters that can turn your home into its own microgrid.
GENERAC’s system includes real-time monitoring of energy production, battery status, energy consumption, and bill tracking.
Service Area
One of the drawbacks to many solar installation companies is the fact that they only operate in one city, county, or state.
There are definitely benefits to being a small, local provider, but the drawback is that your customer reach is limited.
That being said, Solar Liberty is headequartered in western New York but also services Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Vermont.
- New York cities include Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Corning, Plattsburg, Rochester, Syracuse, and Westchester.
- Ohio cities include Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, and Youngstown.
- Pennsylvania cities include Altoona, Erie, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Scranton, and State College
- Vermont cities include Burlington, Colchester, Essex, and Rutland.
Financing Options
Solar Liberty customers can take advantage of an array of financing options. The team at Solar Liberty understands the financial constraints associated with having a solar system installed. As a result, the company offers the following financing options:
12 Month Same as Cash Financing
- Bridge loan between the time of installation and day you receive your tax returns
- New solar buyers get a large tax refund through credits that can be used
- No payments, no interest for one year (until you receive your tax rebate)
Home Equity Loans and Mortgages
- First month of generating solar power can be net positive when cost of solar panel installation is deferred over time
- Loan payments will be less than electricity costs (with good credit)
- Bundle the cost of the solar energy system into the mortgage
Purchase
- Purchase a solar system and installation outright
- The homeowner owns the system
- Will not have to pay any interest
By offering multiple financing options to its customers, Solar Liberty makes green energy more attainable for everyone. While other solar companies offer some sort of financing options, not many offer three different options to customers like Solar Liberty.
The Bad
- Workmanship Warranty
- No Roof Repair
Workmanship Warranty
Unfortunately, Solar Liberty does not appear to offer a workmanship warranty to its customers.
Solar systems are complex and need to be installed perfectly for maximum efficiency. In order for a client to take advantage of all solar energy has to offer, the installation has to be essentially flawless.
Since solar is an investment, many customers prioritize working with companies that offer a warranty or guarantee to protect against any errors in the installation process, including roof leaks.
No Roof Repair
On average, a solar system will run efficiently for 25 years or more. However, the lifespan of a roof averages 15–20 years. Unless the roof is brand new, homeowners will likely have to replace the roof before the solar system needs to be replaced.
Due to this, many solar installation companies also offer roofing repair/replacement services. This service will take place prior to the solar system being installed.
Solar Liberty does not offer any roof repair or replacement services. If you need to replace your roof prior to solar installation, you’ll need to reach out to a separate roofing company.
The Bottom Line
As one of the bigger solar installation companies on the east coast, Solar Liberty has the reach and experience necessary to provide quality solar installation services. The company can design for a wide range of properties and offers benefits such as NABCEP-certified installers on staff and flexible financing options.
Plus, it offers multiple battery brands for solar storage.
Homeowners and commercial properties may benefit from a Solar Liberty solar installation. But we recommend confirming warranty details with the company prior to signing a contract, as the company does not appear to offer a workmanship warranty.
