Smarter Energy Services: Solar Options, Costs and Process

What is Smarter Energy Services?

Smarter Energy Services is a Brooklyn solar company. Its About page describes it as "a group of individuals working to make solar energy more accessible," and says it helps "individuals and businesses navigate the fast-changing solar industry." In practice, the website offers two routes to solar, and helps you work out which one fits.

• Rooftop solar. Panels go on your own roof. The company says it models the system, surveys the roof, helps with permits, installs the panels and arranges the switch to a net metering meter. It covers homes and businesses.
• Community solar. If you can't or don't want to put panels on your roof (you rent, your roof can't hold them, or you simply prefer not to), the company helps you sign up for a community solar project. Power from an off-site solar farm goes into the grid and you receive credits on your bill. No equipment goes on your property.

The company also offers EV chargers for businesses, which it presents as a separate offer not tied to solar incentives.

The site is written for New York: its pages refer to New York State programs, New York City's Department of Buildings inspection and New York utilities.

Who owns and runs Smarter Energy Services?

The company's team section names Mark Young as CEO and says the company was "Founded by Mark Young in 2011." It says he "has been at it for over a decade" and has lived in New York City for more than twice that long. The New York State business filing for Smarter Energy Services, LLC (see the next section) lists Mark Young as the name for service of process, which is consistent with the site.

The same team section names five other people. These are the roles the site gives them:

The site does not list engineering or electrical licenses for individual staff. Its pages refer to "our experienced installers," a "solar install team" and, on the EV page, "our electrician team." If you want to know exactly who will be on your roof (in-house crew or a partner installer), ask during the consultation. See questions to ask.

Is Smarter Energy Services legit? What can be checked

We don't rate clients, but some facts can be checked against public records.

• State business registration. New York State's corporation and business entity records list SMARTER ENERGY SERVICES, LLC, a domestic limited liability company in Kings County (Brooklyn), with an initial filing date of 2 March 2011 and Mark Young named for service of process. That matches the founding year and founder on the company's site. We checked this through New York's open data copy of the Department of State records on 22 October 2026.
• A physical address. The contact page, footer and privacy policy all give 300 Cadman Plaza W., Brooklyn, NY 11201.
• Named staff. The site names its CEO and five staff members with roles and start dates.
• Published testimonials. The testimonials page shows four customer quotes from New York City (Manhattan and Brooklyn). Two of them mention staff by name (Jared Logan) and one describes seeing "the community solar discount on my ConEd bill." The site does not publish a star rating or review count.

Contractor licensing. The Smarter Energy Services website does not print a contractor license number. Before you sign a rooftop contract, ask for the license number of the company that will do the work and look it up yourself. In New York City, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) publishes its license records, including home improvement contractor licenses, on NYC Open Data. That is a normal question for any installer, not a sign of a problem.

Services at a glance

Rooftop solar for homes

The residential solar page is the most detailed on the site. It covers four things: whether your home is eligible, the incentives, financing, and the installation steps.

Eligibility. The "Am I Eligible?" page lists four factors the company checks:

1. Roof type. The company says it works "with a wide range of roof types and angles." Its four most common are traditional shingle, flat, clay tile and slate. See roof types.
2. Roof status. The roof must be structurally sound enough to carry the panels. If it needs repair or replacement, the company says "our team is well-equipped to assist you." Its FAQ adds that the cost of any roof repairs or house alterations is added to the overall installation cost.
3. Good credit standing. "We typically request a FICO score of 680 or higher," the page says. See financing for how the company describes its lending options.
4. Ownership. You need to show you have the right to make changes to the home, with ownership documentation.

Lifespan and warranty. The residential page says home systems "are designed to last for more than 30 years and come with a 25 year warranty." The FAQ describes that 25-year warranty as a manufacturing warranty on the panels. See warranties.

Buy or lease. The Residential Solar Panels page says buying is "probably a better decision" if you want to own the system and its returns, while a lease may suit you if your priority is "an easy, maintenance-free way" into solar. The site does not publish lease terms, so ask for them if a lease interests you.

Net metering. The FAQ explains that in New York, rooftop systems are set up with net metering: power your panels produce goes to the grid and is credited to you, and the utility supplies regular power when your panels produce less than you use. That is why, the company says, you won't run out of power at night or on cloudy days.

Rooftop solar for businesses

The commercial solar page follows the same pattern as the home page, with a few business-specific points.

• Consultation first. The process starts with a consultation "to assess your energy needs, conduct a thorough site evaluation, and design a customized solar solution tailored to your business."
• Permits and utility paperwork. The company says it handles "the permits and paperwork required by local authorities and utility companies."
• Interconnection. After installation, the system "will be interconnected to the electrical grid," followed by a meter swap to a net metering meter and a Department of Buildings inspection.
• Depreciation. The business incentives page mentions accelerated depreciation (MACRS) for commercial systems. Depreciation and business tax credits depend on your tax situation, so talk to your accountant. See incentives.
• Financing. The business financing page describes no money down and no loan repayment for the first 18 months. See financing.

The commercial page also describes a NYSERDA small commercial loan program run through partner lenders. NYSERDA programs change, so confirm current terms directly with NYSERDA (nyserda.ny.gov) or the lender before you rely on them.

Community solar, explained

Community solar is the company's option for people who can't install panels. Its "What is Community Solar?" page describes it as "a state program that replaces a portion of your electricity usage with solar farm energy." The site shows it in three steps: solar farms collect the energy, utilities receive it, and it's sent to homes and businesses.

Here is what the company's pages say about how it works in practice:

• No equipment. No rooftop installation and no maintenance.
• No sign-up fee. The site says signing up doesn't cost anything, and several pages say there is no cancellation fee. One page frames "$0 down, $0 cancellation" as being "for limited time," so ask for the cancellation terms in writing when you enroll.
• It covers part of your power, not all of it. The FAQ says community solar "replaces just a portion of your electricity usage." The rest still comes from your utility as normal, and you won't lose power if the solar farm produces less in a given month.
• Billing. According to the FAQ, there are two ways it can be billed. With Utility Consolidated Billing (UCB), both portions appear on one bill. With non-UCB billing, you pay the solar provider and the utility separately.
• Moving. The FAQ says you can transfer community solar to a new address if you stay in the same utility area with the same provider.
• Utilities. The site's eligibility quiz asks whether your utility is Con Edison, PSEG, National Grid or another provider, and asks about your monthly bill and whether you control the utility account.

About the bill credit. The company's pages describe community solar energy as discounted below your regular rate, and give example rates per kWh. The size of any discount depends on the specific project, your utility and the contract you sign, so the actual terms are what matter. Ask which solar farm or provider you would be enrolled with, how the discount is calculated, and how long the agreement runs.

EV chargers for businesses

The EV charger page is aimed at businesses that want public charging stations for customers. According to the page:

• The chargers "work with no up-front cost and revenue-share profit."
• At the end of a 5-year agreement, "you can purchase the chargers for $1 each," after which the profit share ends.
• The offer is "not connected to NY-state solar incentives."

The installation steps it lists are: identify (you contact the company and it connects you with an agent), assess (a site survey to find the best charger locations and check your electrical service), permit, install (by its "electrician team") and inspection by the permitting office.

The site does not publish the revenue-share split, who owns the chargers during the five years, or who pays for maintenance and electricity. Ask for the agreement and read those terms before you sign.

Which roofs can take panels?

The company has a page for each of its four common roof types. Here's what each says:

Every rooftop job starts with a roof inspection. The FAQ says the company always inspects the roof "to ensure your roof is safe for an install," because an already damaged roof can be made worse by the weight of panels.

How much does Smarter Energy Services cost?

Smarter Energy Services does not publish prices for rooftop systems. Its FAQ answers the question "What do solar panels cost?" this way: the price "gets determined by your usage. After we learn how much energy you use regularly, we will examine your roof for necessary repairs or alterations. Then we can determine the cost. These consultations are free."

How to get a number. Call (929) 999-1872, email info@smarterenergyservices.com, or fill out the quote form on any service page. Have a recent electric bill ready: the company prices from your usage, and its quiz asks about your monthly bill and your utility.

This guide doesn't estimate savings or payback. Those depend on your system, your roof, your usage, your utility rates and which incentives apply to you, and should come from a written proposal you can check.

Tax credits and incentives: what official sources say

The company's incentive pages list several government programs. Incentive rules change, and some changed in 2025, so here is what the official government pages said when we checked on 22 October 2026. This is general information, not tax advice; ask a tax professional about your own situation.

The New York State credit also covers leases and long-term (10+ year) power purchase agreements at your principal residence, according to the Tax Department. Ask Smarter Energy Services, and your tax preparer, which incentives apply to your specific project and installation date before you count on any of them.

Financing options the company describes

Smarter Energy Services says it offers financing for customers who buy solar panels. These are the terms as the company describes them. Loan terms come from lenders and can change, so get a written loan agreement with the rate, term and total cost before you commit.

The financing pages also say:

• Household income counts. "Your household's combined income and credit scores count toward your eligibility."
• Loan-to-value isn't part of the decision, according to the company.
• ITIN may be accepted in place of a Social Security number.
• Debt-to-income ratio is not a factor, the company says.

Separately, the residential pages say loans for home systems are available "from $10,000 to $90,000" with repayment periods of 5 to 25 years, and describe three NYSERDA-linked loan types: an On-Bill Recovery Loan (repayments appear on your utility bill), a Smart Energy Loan (repayments go to NYSERDA's loan servicer) and a Companion Loan (for amounts above a $25,000 cap on the other two). Confirm current NYSERDA loan terms directly with NYSERDA.

The eligibility page says the company "typically" requests a FICO score of 680 or higher, so ask early how your credit profile affects which options you can get.

What happens step by step

The company describes five installation steps on its residential and commercial pages. Here they are in order, with what each involves.

1. Consultation. A free consultation to understand your energy use. For businesses, this includes a site evaluation. Have a recent utility bill handy.
2. Model (design). "We will create a digital mockup of how and where the panels will sit on your roof," showing the size, type and number of panels.
3. Design verification, also called the site survey. The team visits to take measurements, check that the roof is structurally sound, and confirm the panel count against the design. If the roof needs repairs, this is when you'll find out.
4. Permit. You need permission from the local government to install. The company says "we will help you obtain the necessary permits." For businesses, it also handles utility paperwork.
5. Install. The install team puts the panels on your roof. The residential page says the time "varies depending on your roof's needs, but should not take more than a few days."
6. Meter swap and inspection. Your utility meter is swapped for a net metering meter, and the system is inspected by the Department of Buildings. "Once you pass that, congratulations!"

For community solar, the process is shorter: fill out the eligibility form, the company tells you whether you qualify, and you sign up for a project. One customer testimonial says they started seeing the community solar credit on their bill "a few months later." The company's FAQ says it replies to questions "within the next two business days."

Warranties and roof questions

• Panel warranty: 25 years. The FAQ says panels "have a manufacturing warranty of 25 years." This is the manufacturer's warranty on the equipment, so ask which panel brand you'll get and read its warranty.
• Workmanship warranty: 10 years. The company's Solar Energy Savings page says "Our installations also come with a 10-year workmanship warranty." Get this in writing with your contract.
• Roof damage. The FAQ says the likelihood of roof damage from panels is low, that damage "might happen if panels are installed incorrectly," and that the company always inspects the roof first.
• Old or damaged roofs. "We can help with roof repairs and house alterations necessary for your solar installation," with the cost added to the installation price.

The site does not publish a cancellation or refund policy for rooftop contracts. Ask what happens if you cancel after signing, and what the contract says about delays in permits or utility approval.

Where it is, how to reach it, hours

• Address: 300 Cadman Plaza W., Brooklyn, NY 11201 (on the contact page, footer and privacy policy).
• Phone: (929) 999-1872 is the main number on most pages. The contact page also lists (888) 280-0565.
• Email: info@smarterenergyservices.com.
• Online: a quote form at the bottom of most service pages, a community solar eligibility form, a home-page zip code form, and a short quiz.
• Service area: New York State, per the residential page. The company's pages and testimonials focus on New York City.
• Hours: not published. Call ahead before visiting the office.

How it compares with other options

There are a few common ways to go solar in New York. This table compares the general approaches, not specific companies.

Who it suits, and who should look elsewhere

Questions to ask before you sign

• Who will physically install my system: your own crew or a partner? What is the NYC DCWP home improvement license number (or the equivalent for my area)?
• What panel and inverter brands will you use, and what do their warranties cover?
• Can I have the 10-year workmanship warranty in writing? Does it cover roof leaks around the mounts?
• Does my roof need repairs first? What will they cost, and are they in the quote?
• Which incentives do you expect me to qualify for, and on what dates? Is any price in the proposal shown after incentives?
• For financing: what are the interest rate, term, total cost, and any fees? What happens after the payment holiday ends?
• For a lease: how long is it, what happens if I sell the house, and who maintains the system?
• For community solar: which project or provider will I be enrolled with? How is the bill credit calculated? How long is the contract, and is there really no cancellation fee?
• For EV chargers: what is the revenue split, who pays for electricity and maintenance, and what happens at the end of five years?

How to get started

1. Decide which you're asking about: rooftop panels, community solar, or EV chargers.
2. Find a recent electric bill (your utility, monthly usage and cost).
3. Call (929) 999-1872, email info@smarterenergyservices.com, or fill out the form on the relevant service page.
4. For rooftop solar, book the free consultation and roof inspection.
5. Get a written proposal and, if you're financing, a written loan agreement. Compare it with at least one other quote.
6. Check the incentives with the official sources in this guide and your tax preparer.

Visit Smarter Energy Services

Terms you'll see on the site

The company publishes a solar glossary. These are the terms you're most likely to meet, in plain words.

• Community solar: a program where an off-site solar farm sends power into the grid and subscribers get credits on their electric bills, with no panels on their own property.
• Net metering: a system where extra power from your panels goes to the grid and your utility credits you for it on your bill.
• Grid-tied system: a solar system connected to the main power grid. The company's glossary says all systems in New York are grid-tied.
• Meter swap: replacing your standard utility meter with a net metering meter after installation.
• Inverter / micro-inverter: devices that turn the DC power from panels into AC power your building uses. A micro-inverter sits on a single panel.
• kWh (kilowatt-hour): the unit of electricity on your bill: 1,000 watts used for one hour.
• UCB (Utility Consolidated Billing): community solar billing where the solar and utility charges appear on one bill.
• NYSERDA: the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the state's energy agency.
• SEGS abatement: New York City's property tax abatement for solar electric generating systems.
• MACRS: an accelerated depreciation method businesses may use for equipment, including solar.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

All pages checked on 22 October 2026.

1. Smarter Energy Services, home page: smarterenergyservices.com
2. About: smarterenergyservices.com/about/
3. Contact: smarterenergyservices.com/contact-us/
4. Team, warranty and installation steps: smarterenergyservices.com/solar-energy-savings/
5. Residential solar: residential solar, residential solar panels, Am I eligible?
6. Commercial solar: smarterenergyservices.com/commercial-solar/
7. Incentives pages: residential, business
8. Financing pages: residential, business
9. Community solar: What is community solar, for residences, for the office, eligibility, calculator, quiz
10. EV chargers: smarterenergyservices.com/electric-vehicle-ev-chargers/
11. Roof pages: rooftop types, shingled, flat, clay tile, slate
12. FAQs: smarterenergyservices.com/frequently-asked-questions/
13. Testimonials: smarterenergyservices.com/testimonials/
14. Solar glossary: smarterenergyservices.com/solar-glossary/
15. Privacy policy: smarterenergyservices.com/privacy-policy/
16. New York State active corporations (Department of State data on NY Open Data): data.ny.gov, Active Corporations
17. IRS, Residential Clean Energy Credit: irs.gov
18. IRS, One Big Beautiful Bill provisions: irs.gov
19. IRS, FAQs on modification of sections 25C, 25D and others (FS-2025-05): irs.gov
20. IRS, Clean Electricity Investment Credit: irs.gov
21. NYS Department of Taxation and Finance, Solar Energy System Equipment Credit: tax.ny.gov
22. NYC Open Data, DCWP license records: data.cityofnewyork.us
23. NYC Department of Finance, Solar Electric Generating System (SEGS) Tax Abatement: nyc.gov