Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plainedge, NY (2023 Update)
- Plainedge Solar Installation Cost: $7,950
- 25-Year Savings: $14,421
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plainedge
We break down average solar pricing in Plainedge.
In Plainedge, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 3.9-kW system would cost about $7,950 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Plainedge homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Plainedge for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Plainedge
| 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 Plainedge
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Plainedge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plainedge
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Plainedge: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,950 per kilowatt in Plainedge. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Plainedge to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Plainedge, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $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 company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Plainedge, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plainedge?
The average cost of solar panels in Plainedge 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 such as 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 Plainedge?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to 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 home 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 switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.