Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brighton, NY (2023 Update)
- Brighton Solar Installation Cost: $8,611
- 25-Year Savings: $8,675
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brighton
We break down average solar pricing in Brighton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brighton generally cost about 2.95. The average Brighton homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,611 with the federal tax credit, or $12,314 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Brighton based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Brighton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brighton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,920 |
| 3 years | $-6,537 |
| 5 years | $-5,154 |
| 7 years | $-3,771 |
| 9 years | $-2,388 |
| 11 years | $-1,005 |
| 13 years | $378 |
| 15 years | $1,761 |
| 17 years | $3,144 |
| 19 years | $4,527 |
| 21 years | $5,909 |
| 23 years | $7,292 |
| 25 years | $8,675 |
Top Solar Installers in Brighton
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Brighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brighton
The cost of installing a solar system in Brighton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Brighton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Brighton average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Brighton is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.07 | $12,886 | $11,990 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $16,317 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $20,810 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $25,467 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $30,290 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $35,278 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $40,431 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $45,749 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Brighton, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brighton?
The average cost of solar panels in Brighton is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Brighton?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Brighton?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.