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

  • Kingston Solar Installation Cost: $9,003
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,997
  • Payback Period: 10.2 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 Kingston

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Kingston.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kingston it's 2.95 per watt. The average Kingston homeowner needs a 4.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,003 with the federal tax credit, or $12,874 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Kingston based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kingston find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Kingston, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Kingston

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,123
3 years $-6,363
5 years $-4,603
7 years $-2,843
9 years $-1,083
11 years $677
13 years $2,437
15 years $4,197
17 years $5,957
19 years $7,717
21 years $9,477
23 years $11,237
25 years $12,997

Top Solar Installers in Kingston

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Kingston, therefore optimizing your ROI.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

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 Kingston

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kingston

Although the average cost of a solar system in Kingston is $9,003, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kingston to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. When trying to figure out 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

The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Kingston, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Kingston know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 $17,396 10.6 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $23,526 10.4 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $29,820 10.2 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $36,280 10.0 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $42,905 9.8 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $49,695 9.6 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $56,650 9.4 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $63,770 9.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard 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 Kingston, NY Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

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

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities 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.

Is it worth going solar in Kingston?

Solar panels can be a fruitful 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 electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.

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