Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Merrick, NY (2023 Update)
- North Merrick Solar Installation Cost: $7,950
- 25-Year Savings: $13,658
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Merrick
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in North Merrick.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Merrick, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in North Merrick is around 3.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,950 for a solar installation, or $11,368 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in North Merrick based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average North Merrick homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Merrick
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,086 |
| 3 years | $-5,357 |
| 5 years | $-3,629 |
| 7 years | $-1,900 |
| 9 years | $-171 |
| 11 years | $1,557 |
| 13 years | $3,286 |
| 15 years | $5,014 |
| 17 years | $6,743 |
| 19 years | $8,472 |
| 21 years | $10,200 |
| 23 years | $11,929 |
| 25 years | $13,658 |
Top Solar Installers in North Merrick
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in North Merrick, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 North Merrick
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Merrick
There are many factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in North Merrick, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the North Merrick average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in North Merrick have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for North Merrick homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in North Merrick is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $20,803 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $28,068 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $35,498 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $43,093 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $50,853 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $58,778 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $66,869 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $75,125 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 North Merrick, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Merrick?
The average cost of solar panels in North Merrick 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North Merrick?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure 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.
Is it worth going solar in North Merrick?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.