Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smithtown, NY (2023 Update)
- Smithtown Solar Installation Cost: $8,026
- 25-Year Savings: $14,345
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smithtown
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Smithtown.
In Smithtown, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average Smithtown homeowner needs a 3.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,033 with the federal tax credit, or $11,487 before the 30% 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 panels you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Smithtown homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on energy 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 Smithtown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,500 |
| 3 years | $-3,450 |
| 5 years | $-399 |
| 7 years | $2,652 |
| 9 years | $5,702 |
| 11 years | $8,753 |
| 13 years | $11,804 |
| 15 years | $14,854 |
| 17 years | $17,905 |
| 19 years | $20,956 |
| 21 years | $24,007 |
| 23 years | $27,057 |
| 25 years | $30,108 |
Top Solar Installers in Smithtown
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Smithtown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smithtown
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Smithtown is $8,033, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 around $2,950. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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
Most solar companies in Smithtown have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Smithtown homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Smithtown, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $21,650 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $29,197 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $36,909 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $44,786 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $52,829 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $61,037 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $69,410 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $77,948 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- 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 get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Smithtown, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Smithtown?
The average cost of solar panels in Smithtown 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Smithtown?
A solar panel system isn't free in Smithtown, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
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 Smithtown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.