Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oceanside, NY (Mar 2023)
- Oceanside Solar Installation Cost: $7,950
- 25-Year Savings: $13,222
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oceanside
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Oceanside.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Oceanside it's 2.95 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Oceanside, most homeowners require a 3.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,950, or $11,368 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Oceanside based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oceanside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,103 |
| 3 years | $-5,410 |
| 5 years | $-3,716 |
| 7 years | $-2,022 |
| 9 years | $-328 |
| 11 years | $1,365 |
| 13 years | $3,059 |
| 15 years | $4,753 |
| 17 years | $6,447 |
| 19 years | $8,140 |
| 21 years | $9,834 |
| 23 years | $11,528 |
| 25 years | $13,222 |
Top Solar Installers in Oceanside
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Oceanside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oceanside
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Oceanside: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences 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 average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Oceanside, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Oceanside homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Oceanside is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $20,124 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $27,162 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $34,365 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $41,734 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $49,268 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $56,967 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $64,831 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $72,861 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Oceanside, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oceanside?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Oceanside?
You can't get solar panels for free in Oceanside. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Oceanside, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.