Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarkstown, NY (2023 Update)
- Clarkstown Solar Installation Cost: $8,759
- 25-Year Savings: $18,340
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarkstown
We break down average solar pricing in Clarkstown.
In Clarkstown, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average Clarkstown homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,756 with the federal tax credit, or $12,521 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Clarkstown homeowner can save about $24,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Clarkstown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clarkstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,418 |
| 3 years | $-4,737 |
| 5 years | $-2,055 |
| 7 years | $627 |
| 9 years | $3,309 |
| 11 years | $5,990 |
| 13 years | $8,672 |
| 15 years | $11,354 |
| 17 years | $14,035 |
| 19 years | $16,717 |
| 21 years | $19,399 |
| 23 years | $22,081 |
| 25 years | $24,762 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarkstown
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Clarkstown, optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Clarkstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarkstown
There are several factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Clarkstown, 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Clarkstown, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $25,446 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $34,259 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $43,236 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $52,379 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $61,687 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $71,161 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $80,799 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $90,603 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Clarkstown, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clarkstown?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Clarkstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Clarkstown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.