Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockville Centre, NY (2024 Update)
- Rockville Centre Solar Installation Cost: $9,833
- 25-Year Savings: $13,407
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockville Centre
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Rockville Centre.
In Rockville Centre, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Rockville Centre is around 3.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,833 for a solar installation, or $14,061 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rockville Centre find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Rockville Centre, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockville Centre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,307 |
| 3 years | $-5,257 |
| 5 years | $-2,206 |
| 7 years | $845 |
| 9 years | $3,896 |
| 11 years | $6,946 |
| 13 years | $9,997 |
| 15 years | $13,048 |
| 17 years | $16,098 |
| 19 years | $19,149 |
| 21 years | $22,200 |
| 23 years | $25,250 |
| 25 years | $28,301 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockville Centre
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Rockville Centre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockville Centre
Although the average cost of a solar system in Rockville Centre is $9,833, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rockville Centre, where sunlight is relatively 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rockville Centre is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more 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 names.
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 | $17,349 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $23,541 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $29,938 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $36,538 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $43,343 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $50,353 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $57,567 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $64,985 | 10.4 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign 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.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Rockville Centre, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockville Centre?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Rockville Centre?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Rockville Centre. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Rockville Centre, 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.