Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centereach, NY (2024 Update)
- Centereach Solar Installation Cost: $9,930
- 25-Year Savings: $14,345
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centereach
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Centereach.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Centereach, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Centereach, most homeowners require a 3.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,930, or $14,200 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Centereach based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Centereach find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Centereach that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Centereach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,405 |
| 3 years | $-5,354 |
| 5 years | $-2,303 |
| 7 years | $747 |
| 9 years | $3,798 |
| 11 years | $6,849 |
| 13 years | $9,899 |
| 15 years | $12,950 |
| 17 years | $16,001 |
| 19 years | $19,051 |
| 21 years | $22,102 |
| 23 years | $25,153 |
| 25 years | $28,204 |
Top Solar Installers in Centereach
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Centereach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centereach
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Centereach is $9,930, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Centereach, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Centereach have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $18,592 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $25,198 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $32,009 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $39,024 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $46,243 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $53,667 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $61,295 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $69,128 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Centereach, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Centereach?
The average cost of solar panels in Centereach 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Centereach?
Solar panels aren’t free in Centereach, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Centereach have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.