Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Merrick, NY (2024 Update)

  • North Merrick Solar Installation Cost: $9,833
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,661
  • Payback Period: 11.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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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 North Merrick

We break down average solar pricing 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 4 per watt.Since a 3.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in North Merrick, the average price of going solar will be about $9,833 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in North Merrick, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in North Merrick

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-8,930
3 years$-7,124
5 years$-5,319
7 years$-3,513
9 years$-1,708
11 years$98
13 years$1,903
15 years$3,709
17 years$5,514
19 years$7,320
21 years$9,125
23 years$10,931
25 years$12,737

Top Solar Installers in North Merrick

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in North Merrick, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in North Merrick

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Merrick

While the average cost of a solar system in North Merrick is $9,833, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel 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 chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in North Merrick provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for North Merrick homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout North Merrick, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.80$15,943$17,74511.8 years
8 kW$3.72$20,849$24,06911.6 years
10 kW$3.65$25,550$30,59811.4 years
12 kW$3.58$30,047$37,33011.1 years
14 kW$3.50$34,339$44,26710.9 years
16 kW$3.43$38,427$51,40910.7 years
18 kW$3.36$42,311$58,75510.5 years
20 kW$3.29$45,990$66,30510.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in North Merrick, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

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 $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Merrick?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 maximize your savings.

Does North Merrick have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How long do solar panels last in North Merrick?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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 once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.