Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oyster Bay, NY (2023 Update)

  • Oyster Bay Solar Installation Cost: $7,950
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,421
  • Payback Period: 8.9 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

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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 Oyster Bay

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Oyster Bay.

In Oyster Bay, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Oyster Bay 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.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Oyster Bay that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Oyster Bay

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 Oyster Bay

Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

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 Oyster Bay

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oyster Bay

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Oyster Bay is $7,950, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,950. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to add 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Oyster Bay, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 $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

The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 Oyster Bay, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Oyster Bay?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Oyster Bay?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 savings from going solar.

Does Oyster Bay have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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