Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Hempstead, NY (2023 Update)

  • North Hempstead Solar Installation Cost: $7,950
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,418
  • Payback Period: 8.5 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

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 North Hempstead

We break down average solar pricing in North Hempstead.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Hempstead it's 2.95 per watt. The average North Hempstead homeowner needs a 3.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,950 with the federal tax credit, or $11,368 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $23,000 over 20 years on power bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in North Hempstead

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,016
3 years $-5,146
5 years $-3,277
7 years $-1,407
9 years $462
11 years $2,332
13 years $4,201
15 years $6,071
17 years $7,940
19 years $9,809
21 years $11,679
23 years $13,548
25 years $15,418

Top Solar Installers in North Hempstead

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 North Hempstead

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Hempstead

Although the average cost of a solar system in North Hempstead is $7,950, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Hempstead average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in North Hempstead, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 $23,547 8.8 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $31,727 8.7 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $40,072 8.5 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $48,581 8.3 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $57,257 8.2 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $66,097 8.0 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $75,102 7.8 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $84,273 7.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.

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 North Hempstead, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Hempstead?

The average cost of solar panels in North Hempstead is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in North Hempstead?

You can't get solar panels for free in North Hempstead. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.

Follow us