Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brooklyn, NY (2023 Update)
- Brooklyn Solar Installation Cost: $7,930
- 25-Year Savings: $25,410
- Payback Period: 5.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brooklyn
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Brooklyn.
In Brooklyn, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 3.8-kW system would cost about $7,930 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Brooklyn homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Brooklyn can save about $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Brooklyn, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brooklyn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,596 |
| 3 years | $-3,929 |
| 5 years | $-1,262 |
| 7 years | $1,406 |
| 9 years | $4,073 |
| 11 years | $6,740 |
| 13 years | $9,407 |
| 15 years | $12,074 |
| 17 years | $14,741 |
| 19 years | $17,409 |
| 21 years | $20,076 |
| 23 years | $22,743 |
| 25 years | $25,410 |
Top Solar Installers in Brooklyn
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Brooklyn, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Brooklyn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brooklyn
There are a number of factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Brooklyn, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Brooklyn homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Brooklyn is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a 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 | $39,231 | 6.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $52,639 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $66,212 | 5.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $79,950 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $93,853 | 5.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $107,921 | 5.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $122,155 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $136,553 | 5.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Brooklyn, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brooklyn?
The average cost of solar panels in Brooklyn 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 type 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?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Brooklyn, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Brooklyn?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.