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

  • Elmont Solar Installation Cost: $7,950
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,905
  • Payback Period: 7.1 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 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 2.95 per watt. The average Elmont homeowner needs a 3.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,950 with the federal tax credit, or $11,368 before the 30% tax credit 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 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 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 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 Elmont, NY Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Elmont?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 maximize your savings.

Is it worth going solar in Elmont?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 level 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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