Solar Panel Cost Guide in Long Beach, NY (2023 Update)
- Long Beach Solar Installation Cost: $7,950
- 25-Year Savings: $14,421
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Long Beach
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Long Beach.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Long Beach generally cost about 2.95. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Long Beach, most homeowners require a 3.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,950, or $11,368 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Long Beach see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Long Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,055 |
| 3 years | $-5,266 |
| 5 years | $-3,476 |
| 7 years | $-1,686 |
| 9 years | $103 |
| 11 years | $1,893 |
| 13 years | $3,683 |
| 15 years | $5,472 |
| 17 years | $7,262 |
| 19 years | $9,052 |
| 21 years | $10,841 |
| 23 years | $12,631 |
| 25 years | $14,421 |
Top Solar Installers in Long Beach
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Long Beach:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Long Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Long Beach
There are several criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,950. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
Most solar companies in Long Beach provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Long Beach, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.07 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Long Beach, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Long Beach?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Long Beach?
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 get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Long Beach?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.