Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sea Cliff, NY (2023 Update)
- Sea Cliff Solar Installation Cost: $7,947
- 25-Year Savings: $14,424
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sea Cliff
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Sea Cliff.
In Sea Cliff, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Sea Cliff, most homeowners require a 3.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,950, or $11,368 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Sea Cliff based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Sea Cliff homeowner can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Sea Cliff for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sea Cliff
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,422 |
| 3 years | $-3,371 |
| 5 years | $-320 |
| 7 years | $2,731 |
| 9 years | $5,781 |
| 11 years | $8,832 |
| 13 years | $11,883 |
| 15 years | $14,933 |
| 17 years | $17,984 |
| 19 years | $21,035 |
| 21 years | $24,085 |
| 23 years | $27,136 |
| 25 years | $30,187 |
Top Solar Installers in Sea Cliff
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Sea Cliff, we've compiled 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 Sea Cliff
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sea Cliff
While the average cost of a solar system in Sea Cliff is $7,950, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Sea Cliff homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Sea Cliff's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $21,993 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $29,654 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $37,480 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $45,472 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $53,629 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $61,951 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $70,438 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $79,091 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Sea Cliff, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Sea Cliff, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sea Cliff?
The average cost of solar panels in Sea Cliff 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sea Cliff?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,162.61 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Sea Cliff?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.