Solar Panel Cost Guide in Queens, NY (Mar 2023)
- Queens Solar Installation Cost: $7,909
- 25-Year Savings: $24,149
- Payback Period: 6.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Queens
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Queens.
The average cost of solar panels in Queens is 2.95 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Queens, most homeowners require a 3.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,909, or $11,310 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Queens homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $32,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Queens that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Queens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,627 |
| 3 years | $-4,062 |
| 5 years | $-1,497 |
| 7 years | $1,067 |
| 9 years | $3,632 |
| 11 years | $6,196 |
| 13 years | $8,761 |
| 15 years | $11,326 |
| 17 years | $13,890 |
| 19 years | $16,455 |
| 21 years | $19,020 |
| 23 years | $21,584 |
| 25 years | $24,149 |
Top Solar Installers in Queens
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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
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 Queens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Queens
There are many factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Queens, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Queens, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Queens to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Queens, you'll have a great number 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and find a 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 | $37,277 | 6.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $50,033 | 6.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $62,954 | 6.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $76,040 | 6.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $89,292 | 5.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $102,708 | 5.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $116,290 | 5.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $130,038 | 5.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good 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: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Queens, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Queens?
The average cost of solar panels in Queens 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Queens?
Solar panels aren't free in Queens, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Queens is currently $565,914, which means you can expect a value of about $23,202 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Queens is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Queens?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.