Suncommon installed solar and batteries for me in July 2025. The planning process was very thorough, and they started and completed on time without any issues. The only issues we had was getting the system activated through my utility, Central Hudson. This took over three months. A bit of the blame, I feel, goes to Suncommon, but the majority of it goes to Central Hudson for the terrible process they have for communicating with solar installers. Anyway, it's a year later, and my system is running perfectly and saving me lots of money. read more

My experience with Suncommon was an unpleasant disaster, with the company demonstrating consistently poor communications and unprofessional behavior, which led me to cancel an installation planned for months. Through this, I learned the following way to evaluate solar installers. It's clear in retrospect that SunCommon is the bottom of the barrel and you should absolutely avoid them. After a new search, I learned that NYSERDA ranks solar contractors in several tiers: the top few are designated Platinum and Gold, a larger number are certified as Quality Solar Installer, and a still larger number are simply listed without any comment. https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/All-Programs/NY-Sun/On-site-Solar/Homes/Choosing-a-Contractor I found SunCommon was in the last and least qualified group. If I had known about this ranking system at the start of my search I would never have even called them. I originally called SunCommon in March 2026 because someone I trusted recommended them. The sales rep put together an initial estimate for me. We asked about their standing with NYSERDA, the state energy agency, and the rep said they were NYSERDA approved. A few weeks later I had trouble reaching the rep. After a few emails and calls, another rep contacted me to say they were now covering my job as the first guy left. I found I had to initiate most communication, and it often took a long time to get responses. I had to ask, what is the process, how long will it take, and so on. There was no information shared until I asked for it. I was given an installation date in June. As it got closer, and bad weather was predicted, I asked if it would be delayed by rain, and was told they would keep the date. The sales rep introduced me to the project manager. At this time I was applying for the NYSERDA loan and was told the installer would have to complete the loan application. There was a breakdown of communication between me, the sales rep and the project manager. After weeks of back and forth and many inquiries from me, the sales rep told me that I was not eligible for a loan because I was planning to lease the system instead of buying it. It seems they should have known about that immediately. At this time there was also confusion about the payment. I had already given the office a cash payment of over $9K, but the sales rep and project manager were somehow unable to find this information, and kept asking me how I was planning to pay. Once the PM finally confirmed that I had paid - he contacted me with the date of the install - without checking with me what dates I might be available. I was not available on the date he gave me, and I asked for other options. We settled on July 8, a few weeks away. By July 7, after numerous calls and emails with no response, I had not gotten a confirmation from the company if and when the install was going forward. On July 8, I was ready by 7AM, as I was unsure what time they might start. And I waited. I started calling and emailing again by 9:30 AM. Finally the sales rep wrote that he would look into it. A few hours later the PM responded to my email (without apologizing) that because of the rain they fell behind and my installation would now happen next week. Again, no discussion if the date might work for me, and no apology for not contacting me prior to this day. After staying home waiting for hours only to get this email half way through the day, I was fuming. This was an unacceptable and disrespectful customer service disaster. I told them to cancel the job and to send me a full refund. I spoke with the sales rep, who did apologize. Then his superior called me. Once I spoke with her and explained, she agreed to my refund. A few hours later the PM called me and was actually quite nasty with me on the phone. We hung up and I emailed everyone I had been communicating with at the company, asking for my refund. No response. After a few days the sales rep wrote to me, apologizing and offering to move forward with the job with a $1K discount. I refused and asked again for my refund in full. He agreed. I finally got my refund, and now, I'm sharing my painful lesson with you: there is no reason for anyone to do business with SunCommon Solar. read more

I have had the SunCommon CSA for many years and been very happy until this year. However, very recently I moved (end of November) and wanted to bring my credits with me and was told I would be able to. However, after 9 months of repeated asking via email and calls, the credits have not been transferred, and I'm still paying the monthly service fee. I had some overlap in service, so I was using it until April when I sold my old home, but now I'm basically paying twice for my electricity. I've written several emails and had several phone calls where I was told that it would be taken care of, but it never has been. I had a large credit on my old account, in addition to not getting the new credits I've been paying for. I understand there was a change in ownership, but this is unacceptable. read more

Horrible, customer service is terrible, can't get a hold of anyone constantly get ignored absolutely terrible!!!

It's like these people aren't interested in doing business, left a note that I want to install solar panels, received a message that I have to schedule a time to talk to them, some customer service, I waited patiently for my allotted time, when I didn't get a call I emailed Claudia and called and called, no one picks up the phone. What kind of company is this. Update, I received an email from Drew saying that they're very busy and they tried calling me... "I would still be happy to work with you to explore solar at your home, but I will need you to take down the 1 star review if you'd like the opportunity to work with us... Once the review is removed, please let me know and we can resume the conversation." read more

We recently hired SunCommon to install batteries for our house as part of the GMP battery lease program. They took the time to provide two methods of installation and pros/cons. The electricians were terrific and the end result looks nice and fits within our space. They also took the time to explain the battery app and what to do in a power outage. No experience on service related issues with this company. read more

Nice try, Madeline: My entire review story written above was about how no one at Sun Common ever told me my house would be ineligible for solar. I was waiting for months for a response to that effect. Nice way to try to shift blame, and a lack of apology, but my review is about bad customer service, not whether or not I was eligible for solar. read more

SunCommon has just finished installing a ground mount system on my property. The planning phase, financing, local building permits, and the installation went like clockwork. It did take a bit longer than first estimated, but that wasn't an issue at all and installing solar panels is weather dependent so it's also totally understandable. Once they started the work it went quick, everyone knew exactly what to do and I appreciate the friendliness of the crew and that they put out a drop-cloth inside the kitchen when they were working in the basement. I know it's a small detail. I'm very excited about putting my washer and dryer to use knowing that they are running on green energy. It's a great feeling. I would highly recommend SunCommen. Thank you read more

We recently purchased a home with an existing system. I have reached out repeatedly to obtain historical production information, warranty info, etc. with no help. How can I determine how much additional capacity I need without knowing how much I produce today? read more

We added solar panels to our home after we replaced our roof in 2010. The company that did the work was Adirondack Solar, which was purchased in 2012 by Hudson Solar, which merged with Suncommon in 2018. When having some work done on our home our contractor noted mold and leaks under our siding on the side of the house with solar panels. After investigating the source of the leaks, it was determined that the wood decking under our shingles was sagging around the brackets of the solar panel mounts which was allowing moisture to penetrate our roof which then trickled down under the siding of our home. It's now apparent that the mounting system used for our now 12-year-old solar array wasn't appropriate for the freeze and melt cycles our northeast winters. We paid our contractor several thousand dollars to replace the side of our roof (decking and shingles) and Suncommon charged $4,000 to remove and reinstall our 18 solar panels, with the (hopefully) appropriate mounting system. A rather expensive reason why not to adopt new technology until it's perfected. read more

Hudson Solar says they arranged to remove the panels from my roof. They failed to say they charged for that service. This now allows me to make a $11,000 repair to my roof of which Hudson Solar will pay $0. read more

I wanted to use a local/regional company that had been in business for a while. They were doing solar panels before it became fashionable, so I valued their experience and their record of success was not from massive national advertising campaigns. If I had a problem, the phone wasn't answered out West somewhere, but in the Hudson Valley. I also know many issues are from many companies using less than quality components. Hudson Solar uses all quality equipment. I had done a lot of reading, so I didn't really need to be sold. Hudson Solar handled all the paperwork and did all the contacts, from the filing for the building permits, filing with the lenders (I bought, not leased), arranging things with the Utility (Central Hudson), arranging for inspections, dealing with NYSERDA for the rebates. In addition, they easily dealt with a special issue with my install, as I had a generator hookup at the meter. They engineered a solution that would still allow me to use the generator if needed during an extended power failure (say at night when the panels aren't operating,) As with any outdoor construction project, you are at the mercy of the weather, but the install was done within the week. The install crew were friendly, professional, accommodating and informative., To be succinct , they knew their stuff. They left the worksite neat and clean everyday. Upon completion, the Project Manager Josh explained how the system worked, the controls, the monitoring system. I haven't had to do any follow-up, but even after they had my money, they were very responsive. I would heartily recommend Hudson Solar if you want a quality, experienced, knowledgeable LOCAL company for your solar electric project. read more

We were totally pleased with Hudson Solar. The sales person was super helpful without being pushy, the installation team was not only competent, they were on time, left the place tidy at the end of each day and finished in a shorter time than they predicted. So far the team has been there for us with support and any questions have been addressed. We met with several companies before choosing Hudson Solar, and are glad we took the time. read more

HVCE expertly evaluated my site conditions, designed and professionally installed my rooftop PV system. I would definitely recommend them. Their crew was extremely polite and respectful of our premises. Absolutely the best contractor I have hired over the years. Solar electric is an excellent investment. Payback on solar hot water is great too. Alternative energy systems are great. Robert L Napanoch, NY read more

After having installed a solar power system with a big national company at a second home in AZ about 3 years ago, I had planned to go with them at a combination new/existing structure at my main home in NY. I feel so fortunate that I'd noticed the many Hudson Solar signs in my area: they provided a MUCH more pleasant, efficient, and ultimately economical solution to my needs. The national company could/would not deal with a building under construction, despite clear indications of a roof area that could be used, and they continue with their annoying/frustrating corporate communication model, where representatives/concierges/etc. appear and disappear. Hudson Solar could adapt easily to what was on the ground and what was to come, their communication and hierarchy was clear, constant and personable, and they had a larger selection of panels to choose from. The whole process was MUCH smoother, simpler and faster than dealing with the competitor - and I couldn't be happier with the system that has now been up and running for several months. read more

HVCE installed my PV system in Nov. 2009. They were very professional in the presentation. They took care of all the required applications and paperwork involved. The installation was done as promised, earlier than expected. I am happy with the system so far. I had a problem with squirrels last year and HVCE took care of it very quickly. When I have questions they are answered. I would have no reservations in recommending this company to anyone who is interested in energy conservation. read more

This company, though local and relatively small, has far surpassed my expectations for quality, price, and service. Every decision was made with consideration for the long term value of my home and the success of the installation. One particular notable effort was the careful attention paid to the wiring conduit as it came off the roof. They had to fish it under the roof from a crawl space in the attic to have it emerge from the soffit, where it could be hidden next to the gutter drain pipe. This was a real pain but they did it because that was the best possible choice. 5-stars!!! read more

These guys worked with us around our business season to disrupt our guests and our lawn as little as possible as our panels were going in. Our panels are properly sized and all is working well. We report our meter numbers to their office quarterly & they track the output to ensure all is working well. They also send reminders to adjust the seasonal tilt (which is easily done by one person). read more

Hudson Solar installed a ground-mount system for me several months ago, and overall, I'm very satisfied so far. The system was installed on a very tough, sloped, rocky site--so tough that several other installers declined the job, and I decided to contract separately for site preparation and system installation. Hudson Solar handled the installation, and worked cooperatively with the site prep contractor. They delivered as promised in their contract, the system has passed all inspections, and it is generating the amount promised. read more

Hudson Valley Clean Energy installed solar panels for me. They were very professional, courteous and really helpful, it was a smooth installation with no glitches and they still keep in touch with me to see if everything is operating well. I would highly recommend working with them! read more

Hudson Solar installed panels on our new roof in April 2017. Over the past few weeks we've noticed in three different places inside our home we have water damage on the ceilings. Two places in our living room and one in the bedroom. All are corresponding places where the panels have been secured into the roof. Our first phone call started with a disclaimer that it's most likely from the extreme ice build up from the past few storms. Although we don't see any ice build up on the roof. Followed by an email stating that this was indeed the issue- after they claimed a Senior Tech came by to take look - and that they are not responsible for this. Advising me have a roofer look at the roof. Our roof was installed with the intention to have panels put on, we went through 2 winter seasons with the new roof and had no water issues in or outside the home. First winter season with the panels and we have issue inside the home - Gary Bassett, Manager Hudson Solar Service was flippant on the phone and through email conveyed the same tone. Anyone know a good lawyer? Furious that I took the time to ensure that this would be a positive experience for my home and us a home owners. Not to mention that the tax rebates we were told were available turned out to be not as grand as it was described to us by the sales person. With that said we have a long journey to resolving this - and having our home presentable. Lots of solar companies out there - stay clear of this one! read more

From the first call to Hudson Solar I was pleased. Every person is incredibly professional, respectful, and accommodating. Chris, the sales rep. went above and beyond. He was always available to answer questions. I was never left waiting. The process itself was quick and painless. Within one week the solar panels were installed, the project inspected, and we were solar. Even after all money was paid, Chris emailed me with suggestions. In fact, he even came over the house one month after the project was completed to answer questions in person. I love Hudson Solar and highly recommend their product to anyone. read more

From our first contact to the final installation and start up we found all of Hudson Solar people very knowledgable, helpful, friendly and professional. Brian took all the time needed to explain what to expect as well as what tree work was essential and what %age of available sun we could expect. Jesse came out when the tree people were here to insure the trimming was what was needed. We discovered, after this, that we were scheduled for installation in the Spring, not in this tax year. We told Jesse how that was a problem for us, we needed the tax incentive for this year and we had not realized the lag between initial order and the time needed for the necessary paperwork. The good weather helped but they got the paperwork expedited and Wes and his crew to us on December 29th, and despite a very icy and steep roof, they managed to get our installation in and started up before the end of the day on December 31st. Having only had solar energy for less than 2 weeks we can only assume the installation is of the same quality and professionalism we saw in the company's Customer Service and what we observed in the people we met. read more