Thanks to its geographical location, New York is best positioned for various sustainable power sources like hydroelectric and wind power. While the state’s inhabitants are among the most energy-efficient consumers in the country, they still deplete more than they produce and rely heavily on out-of-state suppliers to meet demands. As the 2030 deadline approaches, homeowners and industries are under more pressure to shift. If you’re considering adopting clean electricity, here are the top renewable energy providers in New York.
1. Northeastern Power
Northeastern Power is New York’s best renewable energy option, serving homeowners and businesses in surrounding regions. The company offers cost-effective solar or wind solutions, custom-designed for each household’s unique consumption needs. The service also goes beyond installing panels. It can also integrate advanced systems into your house, such as electricity storage, demand response, fuel cells or even tap into microgrids.
By sourcing its power supply from independent providers, consumers gain benefits such as predictable prices. New Yorkers will also love the flexible rates. There’s an option for those who prefer fixed monthly expenses and another for residents who want to take advantage of seasonal market fluctuations. If you want to reduce your electric bills, increase your home’s value and do your part for the planet, Northeastern Power offers the experience, flexibility and environmental commitment to make it happen.
2. Green Mountain Energy
Green Mountain Energy is the longest-serving renewable retailer in the U.S., providing 100% clean solar and wind power since 1997. For homeowners in New York, that means reliable, planet-friendly electricity from a trusted, carbon-neutral supplier.
The provider’s plans are all renewable and offered at flexible pricing. Another win for your wallet is if you’re not able to install panels due to the upfront cost, you can still access local solar electricity and the perks that come with it, such as free electricity at night or on weekends, buyback programs, and easy account tracking via their app.
3. CleanChoice Energy
CleanChoice Energy is a trusted renewable energy provider in New York. It was founded in 2012 after the founder experienced how difficult it could be to install photovoltaic panels, with all the permits and contractor visits involved. That frustration sparked a mission to make sustainable electricity more accessible. Today, CleanChoice offers a quick, two-minute sign-up that makes switching to 100% renewable power simple and hassle-free.
The company supplies electricity from regional wind and solar farms, so residents can reduce their carbon footprints without installing a rooftop system or dealing with permits. When it comes to billing, you will still get the bill from your utility, but CleanChoice will be your supplier — no long-term contracts, cancellation fees or hidden charges. CleanChoice Energy also offers variable and fixed plan options so you can choose what best fits your budget.
4. Think Energy
Think Energy makes clean energy simple, affordable and accessible through community solar. Instead of installing rooftop panels, you subscribe to a local farm and receive monthly credits on your electric bill, which saves you 5% to 25% for up to 20 years. These credits directly reduce the amount you owe.
The enterprise sources 100% renewable electricity through solar, wind and hydro renewable energy certificates (RECs), helping you shrink your carbon footprint without changing your utility company. Think Energy also makes getting started easy — it takes less than three minutes. Plus, there are no long-term commitments or penalties to worry about — not even enrollment or cancellation fees.
Community solar also benefits your neighborhood by supporting local jobs and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Plus, your subscription simply updates if you move within the same utility area. If you want to save money and make a real environmental impact, Think Energy offers an easy, flexible way to rethink how you power your home.
5. Lighthouse Solar
Lighthouse Solar is a trusted, locally owned business that has been helping New York homeowners go solar since 2009. If you want to generate your clean electricity with rooftop panels, Lighthouse offers expert installation and top-quality systems designed to last. Most come with 25-year warranties and still perform at 80% to 90% capacity after decades.
With New York’s generous tax credits and rebates, switching to solar is a smart financial move, as many systems pay for themselves over time. Lighthouse handles everything from consultation to installation.
Once deployed, your solar panels will work year-round to help lower your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint. You’ll also gain energy independence, shielding yourself from rising utility rates. Plus, properties with photovoltaic panels often see higher resale values. Choosing Lighthouse Solar means saving money, supporting local clean power and investing in a greener future.
6. Tesla Solar
If you consider aesthetics and functionality when switching to sun-powered electricity, Tesla Solar is a solid option. The panels are sleek, low-profile and built to last, blending into your roof while powering your home for decades. When paired with the Tesla Powerwall, you can store extra energy for nighttime or during outages, adding a nice backup layer.
The Tesla app makes monitoring your electricity use and savings easy. It even sends alerts if there’s a storm or grid issue.
With over 500,000 installations, Tesla has a strong track record. While the install price may differ depending on your property’s size, a typical system costs around $20,000 before tax credits, and many people qualify for state and federal incentives to help with the price. Tesla also includes a 25-year performance warranty, which is reassuring.
7. Empire Solar
Empire Solar has cemented its spot as one of the best renewable energy options for homes in New York. Serving the Hudson Valley since 2015, they’re one of just 12 installers awarded NYSERDA’s Gold Status, so you know you’re in expert hands. Unlike many companies, Empire lets you own your system, so you get all the tax credits and long-term savings.
This provider makes going solar simple, affordable and worth it. The process is as quick as it gets — fill out a short form, get a free consultation and let them handle the rest, from permits to installation. Most systems are up and running in a day so you can feel the solar difference as soon as possible.
You could save up to 50% on your monthly bill and over $60,000 over time. With 24/7 monitoring, a transparent process and local know-how, Empire Solar helps you take control of your energy and your wallet.
| Provider | Type of Energy Supplied | Key Features | Cost/Plans | Ideal For |
| Northeastern Power | Solar, wind, Storage, fuel cells, microgrids | Custom designs, predictable rates, energy storage integration | Fixed-rate or market-based options | Homeowners seeking a tailored, high-tech renewable system |
| Green Mountain Energy | 100% wind and solar | Flexible pricing, solar buyback, free electricity periods, app-based tracking | Fixed and variable rates, no panels required | Eco-conscious users who want clean energy without installing solar |
| CleanChoice Energy | Wind and solar | Quick sign-up, no long-term contracts, no cancellation fees | Fixed and variable plans, still billed through the local utility | Renters or residents who want an easy switch to clean power |
| Think Energy | Solar, wind and hydro via RECs | No equipment needed, bill savings, mobile if you move locally | No sign-up or cancellation fees | Households wanting savings and environmental impact without hardware |
| Lighthouse Solar | Rooftop solar | 25-year warranties, climate-optimized installs and local service | Incentive-eligible systems pay for themselves over time | Homeowners looking for reliable, high-performance rooftop systems |
| Tesla Solar | Rooftop solar and battery storage | Integrated Tesla app, storm alerts, 25-year performance guarantee | Typical systems ~$20,000 before tax credits | Tech-savvy users prioritize design, functionality and energy backup |
| Empire Solar | Rooftop solar | Quick installs, full system ownership, 24/7 monitoring | Ownership model with potential for $60K+ in savings | Buyers who want to own their system and maximize state and federal incentives |
Why Renewable Energy Makes Sense in New York
New York isn’t among the top 10 states with the highest electricity bills, but it’s not among the cheapest either. The average homeowner pays around $145 per month, with rates at 22.66¢ per kWh — much higher than the national average of 16.22¢ per kWh.
For any New York resident with space for a rooftop setup, ground-mounted panels or access to community solar, switching to renewable energy is a no-brainer. It can lead to significant savings over time. Here are other reasons why you should join them.
High Energy Demand
NYC alone consumes about 50,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity a year — roughly the same amount as the entire state of Massachusetts, despite being 35 times smaller in land area. With limited space for solar farms due to its dense, vertical architecture, the city faces a challenge in generating enough clean energy locally. However, initiatives like mandating photovoltaic panels on public buildings aim to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.
Limited In-State Production
Without the space to generate enough clean power locally, New York produces only a small amount of natural gas and crude oil. However, it is an ideal site for hydroelectric energy, as it borders portions of the Great Lakes and the Niagara River and has access to wind resources from the Atlantic Ocean.
Despite these advantages, the state still relies heavily on out-of-state suppliers to meet its electricity demands. This is mainly due to its population of nearly 20 million, making it the fourth-most populous state in the United States.
Ambitious Renewable Energy Goals
The state has committed to generating 70% of its power from renewable sources by 2030. New York ranks fifth in renewable energy production, but only about a third of its electricity comes from renewables. Homeowners can help bridge this gap by taking advantage of state incentives to switch to solar power.
Financial Incentives
New York offers some of the strongest solar incentives in the country, partly due to its high electricity prices. You can claim 30% back as a federal tax credit when you install a photovoltaic system — just file it on your income taxes.
In addition, there are flexible financing options for residents who don’t want to pay the full cost upfront. Programs like NYSERDA’s Home Energy Efficiency Programs offer grants and low-interest loans for solar installations, insulation, HVAC upgrades, and more.
Solar Access for Renters
Thanks to community solar programs, even renters or homeowners without an ideal rooftop can benefit by subscribing to local farms and receiving energy credits, making renewable power more inclusive across living situations.
Grid Resiliency
New York is no stranger to frequent power outages, especially in mid- to high-rise buildings. Heat outages are nearly thrice as common in mid-rise buildings and twice as common in high-rise structures compared to low-rise structures.
In June 2025, 32 counties were placed under a state of emergency due to severe thunderstorms and forecasted heat waves. Officials even asked residents to limit air conditioning use to prevent further grid strain. With rising weather-related outages, switching to solar — especially when paired with battery storage — can help households stay powered during emergencies while reducing reliance on an overstretched grid.
What’s the Best Renewable Energy Type for New York Homes?
For most homeowners, solar power remains the most practical and cost-effective option. It’s widely accessible, easy to set up, and backed by strong federal and state incentives. Solar installations in New York have surged, reaching 6,000 megawatts as of 2025 — enough to run over one million houses, which is a clear sign that it works.
If you’re looking for year-round comfort and live in upstate regions, geothermal heating and cooling is worth considering. These systems use the below-ground temperatures to heat and cool your home efficiently. Compared to traditional HVAC systems, they can reduce energy use by up to 70% in heating and 50% in cooling.
Small wind turbines can be a solid backup or addition to your energy mix if you live in a rural area with steady wind. New York is also making significant strides in wind power, with a goal to generate at least 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035.
For those in colder, wooded regions, biomass heating — which burns wood pellets or chips — can provide a renewable alternative to oil or propane. New York possesses substantial biomass resources, particularly from its extensive forestland, which can be utilized for energy production and other applications. Modern biomass systems are much cleaner than traditional wood stoves.
If you happen to live near a flowing stream or river, micro-hydro power could even be an option. While rare, it’s highly efficient. Unlike solar or wind, small-scale hydro systems can operate 24/7 and often have up to 90% energy conversion efficiency. The bottom line is New York offers a diverse landscape, and with the right setup, almost every homeowner can tap into some form of clean, local energy.
Turning On a Greener Future in the Empire State
Switching to renewable power in New York isn’t just a smart move for the planet. It’s a smart move for your wallet, too. With generous federal and state incentives and a wide range of trusted providers, the best renewable energy options for New York residents are more accessible than ever.
However, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The ideal solution for your home depends on your space, lifestyle and long-term goals. Maybe it’s rooftop panels or a subscription to a local community solar farm. Perhaps a custom combo of geothermal, wind or even micro-hydro fits your needs best. The key is to choose a flexible setup that aligns with your household’s unique electricity use and plans.
