Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Meadow, NY (2024 Update)
- East Meadow Solar Installation Cost: $9,833
- 25-Year Savings: $14,424
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Meadow
We go over average solar pricing in East Meadow.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in East Meadow, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 3.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in East Meadow, the average price of going solar will be about $9,833 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Meadow
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,307 |
| 3 years | $-5,257 |
| 5 years | $-2,206 |
| 7 years | $845 |
| 9 years | $3,896 |
| 11 years | $6,946 |
| 13 years | $9,997 |
| 15 years | $13,048 |
| 17 years | $16,098 |
| 19 years | $19,149 |
| 21 years | $22,200 |
| 23 years | $25,250 |
| 25 years | $28,301 |
Top Solar Installers in East Meadow
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 East Meadow
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Meadow
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in East Meadow: 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in East Meadow, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in East Meadow, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $18,935 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $25,656 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $32,580 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $39,710 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $47,043 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $54,581 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $62,324 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $70,271 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and 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.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 East Meadow, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Meadow?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in East Meadow?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 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 it worth going solar in East Meadow?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 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 buy 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.