Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brighton, NY (2024 Update)
- Brighton Solar Installation Cost: $10,653
- 25-Year Savings: $8,676
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brighton
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Brighton.
In Brighton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Brighton homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,653 with the federal tax credit, or $15,234 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Brighton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brighton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,746 |
| 3 years | $-7,934 |
| 5 years | $-6,122 |
| 7 years | $-4,309 |
| 9 years | $-2,497 |
| 11 years | $-684 |
| 13 years | $1,128 |
| 15 years | $2,941 |
| 17 years | $4,753 |
| 19 years | $6,566 |
| 21 years | $8,378 |
| 23 years | $10,190 |
| 25 years | $12,003 |
Top Solar Installers in Brighton
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Brighton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brighton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Brighton is $10,653, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Brighton, one of the most crucial 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Brighton have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Brighton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Brighton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $8,933 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $12,319 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $15,910 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $19,705 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $23,704 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $27,908 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $32,317 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $36,929 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Brighton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.