Solar Panel Cost Guide in Queens, NY (2023 Update)
- Queens Solar Installation Cost: $7,918
- 25-Year Savings: $24,140
- Payback Period: 6.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Queens
See how much it might cost to go solar in Queens.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Queens it's 2.95 per watt. Since a 3.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Queens, the average price of going solar will be about $7,909 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Queens homeowner can save around $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Queens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,038 |
| 3 years | $-2,279 |
| 5 years | $1,480 |
| 7 years | $5,240 |
| 9 years | $8,999 |
| 11 years | $12,758 |
| 13 years | $16,518 |
| 15 years | $20,277 |
| 17 years | $24,037 |
| 19 years | $27,796 |
| 21 years | $31,555 |
| 23 years | $35,315 |
| 25 years | $39,074 |
Top Solar Installers in Queens
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself 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.
Working with a vetted 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 Queens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Queens
For many Queens homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Queens, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Queens homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise to include 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
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect the cost. Queens' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Queens have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 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.