Solar Panel Cost Guide in Garden City South, NY (2023 Update)

  • Garden City South Solar Installation Cost: $7,947
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,424
  • Payback Period: 8.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Garden City South

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Garden City South.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Garden City South generally cost around 2.95. Since a 3.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Garden City South, the average price of going solar will be about $7,950 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Garden City South homeowner can save around $22,000 on their electricity 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 Garden City South that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Garden City South

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,872
3 years $-7,723
5 years $-7,574
7 years $-7,425
9 years $-7,276
11 years $-7,127
13 years $-6,977
15 years $-6,828
17 years $-6,679
19 years $-6,530
21 years $-6,381
23 years $-6,232
25 years $-6,083

Top Solar Installers in Garden City South

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Garden City South

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Garden City South

Although the average cost of a solar system in Garden City South is $7,950, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,950. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose 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

Most solar companies in Garden City South offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Garden City South, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points 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 prices because they have access to more resources and better 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

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 $21,993 9.2 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $29,654 9.1 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $37,480 8.9 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $45,472 8.7 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $53,629 8.5 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $61,951 8.3 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $70,438 8.2 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $79,091 8.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.

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 Garden City South, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Garden City South?

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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Garden City South is currently $637,694, which means you can expect a value of about $26,145 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Garden City South is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Garden City South?

Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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