Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockland, NY (2023 Update)
- Rockland Solar Installation Cost: $9,086
- 25-Year Savings: $8,594
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Rockland.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Rockland is 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Rockland is around 4.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,086 for a solar installation, or $12,993 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Rockland can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Rockland for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rockland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,379 |
| 3 years | $-6,964 |
| 5 years | $-5,550 |
| 7 years | $-4,136 |
| 9 years | $-2,721 |
| 11 years | $-1,307 |
| 13 years | $108 |
| 15 years | $1,522 |
| 17 years | $2,937 |
| 19 years | $4,351 |
| 21 years | $5,765 |
| 23 years | $7,180 |
| 25 years | $8,594 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockland
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Rockland, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Rockland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockland
There are many factors that can influence your 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Rockland. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Rockland offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Rockland, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $11,237 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $15,313 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $19,555 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $23,961 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $28,533 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $33,270 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $38,172 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $43,239 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed 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 Rockland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rockland?
The average cost of solar panels in Rockland is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 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 use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Rockland?
You can't get solar panels for free in Rockland. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Rockland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.