Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brooklyn, NY (May 2022)
- Brooklyn Solar Installation Cost: $8,383
- 25-Year Savings: $24,957
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Updated 4/26/2022
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brooklyn
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Brooklyn.
In Brooklyn, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. The average Brooklyn homeowner needs a 3.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,383, or $6,203 after the federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high initial cost, the average Brooklyn homeowner can save about $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Brooklyn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,049 |
| 3 years | $-4,382 |
| 5 years | $-1,715 |
| 7 years | $952 |
| 9 years | $3,620 |
| 11 years | $6,287 |
| 13 years | $8,954 |
| 15 years | $11,621 |
| 17 years | $14,288 |
| 19 years | $16,955 |
| 21 years | $19,623 |
| 23 years | $22,290 |
| 25 years | $24,957 |
Top Solar Installers in Brooklyn
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
4.5
Great warranty coverage- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
-
Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- 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
For many Brooklyn homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Brooklyn, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment Size
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,950. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brooklyn to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Brooklyn's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $13,622 | $38,495 | 6.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $17,813 | $51,676 | 6.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $21,830 | $65,032 | 6.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $25,672 | $78,562 | 6.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $29,340 | $92,267 | 6.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $32,832 | $106,146 | 5.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $36,150 | $120,200 | 5.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $39,294 | $134,429 | 5.7 years |
Solar Incentives in Brooklyn
| Name | Residential Solar Tax Credit |
| Incentive Amount | 25% for solar-electric (PV) and solar-thermal systems; for third-party owned systems this is in reference to the aggregate amount owed under the contract rather than the amount owed in any single year |
| Incentive Max | $5,000 for solar-energy systems |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | New York City - Property Tax Abatement for Photovoltaic (PV) and Energy Storage equipment |
| Incentive Amount | Installed from August 5, 2008 to December 31, 2010: 8.75% of system expenditures per year for 4 years (total of 35%); Installed from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012: 5% of system expenditures per year for 4 years (total of 20%); Installed from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013: 2.5% of system expenditures per year for 4 years (total of 10%) Installed from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2016: 5% of the system expenditures per year for 4 years Installed from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018: 5% of the system expenditures per year for 4 years |
| Incentive Max | $62,500 annually or the amount of real property taxes owed during a year |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Real Property Tax Exemption for Green Buildings |
| Incentive Amount | Upon local adoption, 20% - 100% of real property taxes owed; varies by year and certification level |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NY-Sun PV Incentive Program (Residential, Low-Income, and Small Business) |
| Incentive Amount | Incentive rates step down over time as MW goals are met. Incentive rates as of 11/27/2019 are: Residential: Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed) Con Edison Region: $0.30/W Upstate Region: $0.35/W Low-to-Moderate income customers: $0.80/W (up to 10 kW) Small Commercial (Non-Residential):Long Island Region: $0.00/W (MW blocks have been fully subscribed) Con Edison Region: $0.60/W Up State Region: $0.45/W Multifamily Affordable Housing Adder: additional $0.40/W (up to 50 kW) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Home Performance with ENERGY STAR |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NY Green Bank |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Solar Sales Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | Upon local authorization, 100% exemption from local sales tax |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | New York City - Residential Solar Sales Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% local sales tax exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Sales Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption from state sales tax |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Energy Conservation Improvements Property Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% of the value added to the residence by the improvements |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NY-Sun Loan Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Solar, Wind & Biomass Energy Systems Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption for 15 years (unless local jurisdiction has opted out) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining 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 several important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
4.5
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- 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?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Brooklyn?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.
