Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elmont, NY (Jan 2023)
- Elmont Solar Installation Cost: $7,950
- 25-Year Savings: $19,905
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elmont
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Elmont.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Elmont, the typical cost of solar panels is $3 per watt. The average Elmont homeowner needs a 3.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,950, or $5,883 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Elmont homeowner can save about $28,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Elmont for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Elmont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,836 |
| 3 years | $-4,608 |
| 5 years | $-2,379 |
| 7 years | $-151 |
| 9 years | $2,078 |
| 11 years | $4,306 |
| 13 years | $6,534 |
| 15 years | $8,763 |
| 17 years | $10,991 |
| 19 years | $13,220 |
| 21 years | $15,448 |
| 23 years | $17,677 |
| 25 years | $19,905 |
Top Solar Installers in Elmont
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Elmont, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Elmont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elmont
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Elmont: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Elmont. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Elmont to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Elmont is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Elmont are more knowledgeable 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 help you save 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 | $30,543 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $41,055 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $51,732 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $62,573 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $73,581 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $84,753 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $96,090 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $107,593 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established 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 install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Elmont, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Elmont?
The average cost of solar panels in Elmont is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Elmont?
You can't get solar panels for free in Elmont. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Elmont?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Elmont?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.