Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smithtown, NY (2024 Update)
- Smithtown Solar Installation Cost: $9,930
- 25-Year Savings: $14,345
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smithtown
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Smithtown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Smithtown it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.9-kW system would cost about $9,930 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Smithtown homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Smithtown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Smithtown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,405 |
| 3 years | $-5,354 |
| 5 years | $-2,303 |
| 7 years | $747 |
| 9 years | $3,798 |
| 11 years | $6,849 |
| 13 years | $9,899 |
| 15 years | $12,950 |
| 17 years | $16,001 |
| 19 years | $19,051 |
| 21 years | $22,102 |
| 23 years | $25,153 |
| 25 years | $28,204 |
Top Solar Installers in Smithtown
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Smithtown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smithtown
The cost of installing a solar system in Smithtown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,650. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better 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 promotion 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 | $18,592 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $25,198 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $32,009 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $39,024 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $46,243 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $53,667 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $61,295 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $69,128 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Smithtown, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Smithtown?
The average cost of solar panels in Smithtown is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Smithtown?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Smithtown?
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 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.