Quick navigation: NYSERDA Platinum Status Explained
If you’ve ever looked into solar, you’ve probably noticed how many companies are out there. Everyone claims they’re the best, everyone has great reviews, and everyone promises huge savings.
So the real question becomes: how do you tell who’s actually going to install your system correctly?
That’s where NYSERDA’s installer awards come in. Empire Solar recently earned NYSERDA Platinum Status, and in this blog we’re going to explain what that means, how it’s different from Gold status, and why it matters when you’re choosing a solar installer in New York.
NYSERDA Is The Name You Keep Seeing (For a Reason)
If you’ve been researching solar in New York, NYSERDA shows up everywhere. And it’s not because they’re a solar company, it’s because they’re one of the organizations setting the ground rules for solar in this state.
NYSERDA stands for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. They support clean energy programs, including the NY-Sun program, and they also help protect homeowners by making sure solar is being done safely and correctly.
That last part matters more than most homeowners realize.
Because installing solar isn’t like ordering something online and having it delivered. It’s roof work, electrical work, engineering, permitting, inspections, and utility approvals, all stitched together into one project. If any one of those steps is sloppy, homeowners feel it fast.
The Problem NYSERDA’s Awards Are Trying to Solve
Most solar companies have reviews. Most can show you photos of installs. Most can quote big savings numbers.
But those things don’t always tell you what you actually want to know:
Will this company do clean work? Will the system pass inspection without drama? Will the project move forward smoothly? Will they handle it like professionals?
That’s what NYSERDA’s Quality Solar Installer (QSI) recognition is designed to measure.
It’s basically NYSERDA’s way of saying:
“This contractor isn’t just installing solar, they’re doing it well, consistently.”
What NYSERDA Platinum Status Actually Means
NYSERDA defines Platinum Status like this:
A Platinum Status Installer is a contractor who has achieved NYSERDA’s Quality Solar Installer (QSI) designation for six consecutive years.
That “six consecutive years” part is important.
It means Platinum isn’t something you earn from one great season, or a few installs that go well. It’s a long stretch of consistent quality, the kind of consistency homeowners never get to see when they’re only comparing quotes online.
So.. How Do You Earn It?
There are no shortcuts to getting Platinum Status. Platinum is earned the boring way (the best way): by doing the work properly for a long time.
To qualify for QSI in the first place, NYSERDA requires real performance metrics – things like being active in the NY-Sun program, completing a minimum number of projects, and maintaining strong field inspection scores.
Then you have to keep that standard going year after year.
That’s what makes Platinum meaningful.
Gold vs Platinum: What’s the Difference?
People sometimes treat Gold vs Platinum as if it’s just branding. Like “Gold sounds good, Platinum sounds better.”
But NYSERDA spells this part out clearly:
- Gold Status Installer = QSI designation for 3 consecutive years
- Platinum Status Installer = QSI designation for 6 consecutive years
So the difference isn’t cosmetic.
It’s basically the difference between:
“This installer has proven quality”
and
“This installer has proven quality for long enough that it’s clearly not luck.”
Why This Matters for Homeowners
Solar is a long-term investment, but the installation is a short-term project. And most “solar horror stories” aren’t about panels randomly failing, but mainly about the project being handled poorly.
Things like:
- permits being delayed or incorrect
- inspections failing
- long gaps in communication
- ugly conduit runs or messy roof work
- systems that don’t produce what was promised
- service requests getting bounced around
That’s what strong installers prevent.
And NYSERDA’s Platinum designation is one of the clearest third-party signals that a company is consistently doing solar at a high level.
Your installer matters because they affect:
- how your roof is treated
- how your system looks on the outside of your home
- how smoothly permitting + inspections go
- how reliable your system is long-term
That’s the difference between a solar system you forget about (in a good way)… and a solar system that becomes a constant headache.
What to Look for Besides Status
Even though Platinum and Gold status are valuable, they’re still only one part of the picture. If you’re choosing a solar installer, here are a few things you should pay attention to no matter what:
1) Workmanship warranty
Panel warranties are great. But the question is:
what warranty covers the work?
Mounting, wiring, conduit, roof penetrations – that’s workmanship.
2) In-house installation crews
If a company sells solar and then hands it off to subcontractors, you might get a great crew… or you might not.
In-house teams usually mean more consistency and clearer accountability.
3) System design quality
Good panels installed in a bad layout still underperform.
A real solar design should reflect:
- shading
- roof layout
- inverter selection
- realistic production estimates
4) What service looks like after install
Ask directly:
- who handles service calls?
- how long does it take?
- is there a real support process?
This matters more than people think, because solar is supposed to run for decades.
What Empire Solar’s Platinum Status Says About Your Experience
Platinum Status reflects the kind of experience homeowners can expect when they work with a company that has strong systems in place.
For our customers, Platinum Status reflects the following:
A smoother installation process
Good processes reduce delays and confusion. Permits, inspections, utility coordination go smoother when a team knows what they’re doing and has done it successfully many times.
Strong attention to detail
Correct wire management, proper mounting, clean conduit runs, correct labeling affect safety, inspection outcomes, and long-term reliability.
Consistent quality (not “hit or miss”)
Most homeowners only install solar once. You don’t want to “hope” your project is one of the good ones. Platinum status reflects the idea that quality isn’t random but that it’s built into the process.
Confidence that the job will be done correctly
At the end of the day, homeowners want peace of mind. Not hype. Not pressure. Just the confidence that their home is in good hands.
Empire Solar’s Commitment to Excellence
Since 2015, Empire Solar Solutions has been changing the way New Yorkers power their homes, helping homeowners take control of their energy costs. To date, we’ve assisted over 7,000 families across New York State in saving money on utility bills while reducing their carbon footprint. Our commitment to trust, accuracy and efficiency has not only earned us recognition. Moreover, it has built strong relationships with our customers, many of whom confidently refer us to their friends, family, and neighbors.
“Our experience with Empire has been nothing short of outstanding! When we first started looking, we found Empire to have the best options for us and they included trenching a power line to our detached garage which had been without power for years. They were diligent about the plan and very transparent about everything (thanks Nore!). Highly recommend!“
Ryan
Fishkill, NY Resident
Industry Leadership
Our recognition as a Platinum Status installer extends far beyond NYSERDA’s Quality Installer Program. It is a symbol of our unmatched expertise and leadership in the solar industry. Our Platinum Status represents not only our achievements but also the trust and confidence homeowners place in us to provide reliable, high-quality renewable energy solutions.
Regional Expertise
As a New York-based company, we understand the unique challenges homeowners face across the state that differentiate one building department from another. From the Capital Region and Hudson Valley to Long Island and the Five Boroughs, each area presents its own unique set of rules, regulations, utility providers, and permitting processes.
Our large and experienced team is well-versed in navigating these complexities with precision and care, ensuring each project progresses smoothly and efficiently.
Check Which New York Solar Incentives You Qualify For
FAQ
What is the NYSERDA Quality Solar Installer program?
This is a program created by New York State to help homeowners find trustworthy solar companies. Installers have to meet strict quality and safety standards, and their work is regularly reviewed to keep that recognition.
How do I check if a solar installer is NYSERDA Gold or Platinum?
The easiest way is to check NYSERDA’s official list of residential installers. NYSERDA publishes recognized installers, including Gold and Platinum status designations.
If a company claims a designation but can’t show it on NYSERDA’s list, that’s a red flag.
Is NYSERDA Platinum better than Gold?
Yes, Platinum is higher than Gold.
Both are strong, but Gold status reflects three consecutive years of QSI designation, while Platinum reflects six consecutive years. That longer track record matters because it reflects consistent quality across many installs over a longer period of time.
