Solar Panel Cost Guide in Riverhead, NY (2024 Update)
- Riverhead Solar Installation Cost: $9,930
- 25-Year Savings: $14,345
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Riverhead
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Riverhead.
In Riverhead, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Riverhead homeowner needs a 3.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,930 with the federal tax credit, or $14,200 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Riverhead can save about $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Riverhead, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Riverhead
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,405 |
| 3 years | $-5,354 |
| 5 years | $-2,303 |
| 7 years | $747 |
| 9 years | $3,798 |
| 11 years | $6,849 |
| 13 years | $9,899 |
| 15 years | $12,950 |
| 17 years | $16,001 |
| 19 years | $19,051 |
| 21 years | $22,102 |
| 23 years | $25,153 |
| 25 years | $28,204 |
Top Solar Installers in Riverhead
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Riverhead
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Riverhead
There are many factors that can influence your total 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
The size of the solar system you need for your household, 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 nearly $3,650. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Riverhead, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Riverhead, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Riverhead’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $18,592 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $25,198 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $32,009 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $39,024 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $46,243 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $53,667 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $61,295 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $69,128 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 project timeline.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Riverhead, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Riverhead?
The average cost of solar panels in Riverhead is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Riverhead?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.