Solar Panel Cost Guide in Islip, NY (2024 Update)

  • Islip Solar Installation Cost: $9,930
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,345
  • Payback Period: 11.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Islip

We go over average solar pricing in Islip.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Islip typically cost about 4.The average Islip homeowner needs a 3.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,930 with the federal tax credit, or $14,200 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Islip homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Islip, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Islip

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,405
3 years $-5,354
5 years $-2,303
7 years $747
9 years $3,798
11 years $6,849
13 years $9,899
15 years $12,950
17 years $16,001
19 years $19,051
21 years $22,102
23 years $25,153
25 years $28,204

Top Solar Installers in Islip

When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Another good thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

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 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 Islip

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Islip

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Islip: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels 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 with greater efficiency or power production 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 kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Islip is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 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 $18,592 11.5 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $25,198 11.3 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $32,009 11.1 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $39,024 10.9 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $46,243 10.7 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $53,667 10.4 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $61,295 10.2 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $69,128 10.0 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 have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 good reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.

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 Islip, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Islip?

This is a difficult 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Islip?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Islip?

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 give you credit toward your future utility bills.

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 larger 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.

Follow us