Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scarsdale, NY (2023 Update)

  • Scarsdale Solar Installation Cost: $8,652
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,687
  • Payback Period: 6.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scarsdale

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Scarsdale.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Scarsdale, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.95 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Scarsdale, most homeowners require a 4.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,652, or $12,372 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Scarsdale homeowners see about $30,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Scarsdale

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,319
3 years $-4,652
5 years $-1,984
7 years $683
9 years $3,350
11 years $6,017
13 years $8,684
15 years $11,351
17 years $14,019
19 years $16,686
21 years $19,353
23 years $22,020
25 years $24,687

Top Solar Installers in Scarsdale

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Scarsdale

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scarsdale

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Scarsdale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 $2,950. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Scarsdale, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Scarsdale homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 $34,898 6.7 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $46,861 6.6 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $58,989 6.5 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $71,283 6.4 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $83,741 6.2 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $96,365 6.1 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $109,154 6.0 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $122,108 5.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:

  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Scarsdale, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scarsdale?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Scarsdale?

A solar panel system isn't free in Scarsdale, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Scarsdale?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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.

Follow us