Solar Panel Cost Guide in Long Beach, NY (2024 Update)
- Long Beach Solar Installation Cost: $9,833
- 25-Year Savings: $14,424
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Long Beach
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Long Beach.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Long Beach, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Long Beach, most homeowners require a 3.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,833, or $14,061 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Long Beach homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Long Beach find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Long Beach, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Long Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,307 |
| 3 years | $-5,257 |
| 5 years | $-2,206 |
| 7 years | $845 |
| 9 years | $3,896 |
| 11 years | $6,946 |
| 13 years | $9,997 |
| 15 years | $13,048 |
| 17 years | $16,098 |
| 19 years | $19,149 |
| 21 years | $22,200 |
| 23 years | $25,250 |
| 25 years | $28,301 |
Top Solar Installers in Long Beach
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Long Beach:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Long Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Long Beach
Though the average cost of a solar system in Long Beach is $9,833, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,650. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Long Beach, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Long Beach’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $18,935 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $25,656 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $32,580 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $39,710 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $47,043 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $54,581 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $62,324 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $70,271 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Long Beach, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Long Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Long Beach is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial 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 think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Long Beach?
Each state has some form 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 energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Long Beach?
Even 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 the amount of energy they produce 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.