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

  • Centereach Solar Installation Cost: $8,033
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,338
  • Payback Period: 9.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Centereach

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Centereach.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Centereach generally cost around 2.95. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Centereach, most homeowners require a 3.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,033, or $11,487 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Centereach homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Centereach homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top 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 $-7,138
3 years $-5,348
5 years $-3,559
7 years $-1,769
9 years $21
11 years $1,810
13 years $3,600
15 years $5,390
17 years $7,179
19 years $8,969
21 years $10,759
23 years $12,548
25 years $14,338

Top Solar Installers in Centereach

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

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 Centereach

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centereach

The cost of installing a solar system in Centereach can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Centereach's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Centereach have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 $3.07 $12,886 $21,650 9.3 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $29,197 9.1 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $36,909 9.0 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $44,786 8.8 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $52,829 8.6 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $61,037 8.4 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $69,410 8.3 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $77,948 8.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

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 Centereach, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Centereach?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

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 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.

Is it worth going solar in Centereach?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Centereach?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.

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