Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brooklyn, NY (2023 Update)

  • Brooklyn Solar Installation Cost: $9,807
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,414
  • Payback Period: 7.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brooklyn

We go over average solar pricing in Brooklyn.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brooklyn typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Brooklyn is around 3.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,807 for a solar installation, or $14,024 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Brooklyn homeowners see about $33,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Brooklyn

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,927
3 years $-4,168
5 years $-408
7 years $3,351
9 years $7,110
11 years $10,870
13 years $14,629
15 years $18,389
17 years $22,148
19 years $25,907
21 years $29,667
23 years $33,426
25 years $37,185

Top Solar Installers in Brooklyn

When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Another upside of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Brooklyn

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brooklyn

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Brooklyn: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Brooklyn, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Brooklyn, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Brooklyn know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $36,174 7.6 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $48,640 7.5 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $61,312 7.4 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $74,187 7.2 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $87,267 7.1 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $100,551 6.9 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $114,040 6.8 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $127,733 6.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Brooklyn?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Brooklyn, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Does Brooklyn have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last 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 larger level 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.

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