Solar Panel Cost Guide in Smithtown, NY (Mar 2023)
- Smithtown Solar Installation Cost: $8,033
- 25-Year Savings: $14,338
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Smithtown
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Smithtown.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Smithtown is 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Smithtown is around 3.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,033 for a solar installation, or $11,487 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Smithtown find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Smithtown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Smithtown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,138 |
| 3 years | $-5,348 |
| 5 years | $-3,559 |
| 7 years | $-1,769 |
| 9 years | $21 |
| 11 years | $1,810 |
| 13 years | $3,600 |
| 15 years | $5,390 |
| 17 years | $7,179 |
| 19 years | $8,969 |
| 21 years | $10,759 |
| 23 years | $12,548 |
| 25 years | $14,338 |
Top Solar Installers in Smithtown
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
There are several 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Smithtown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Smithtown
There are many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Smithtown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Smithtown to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Smithtown homeowners, they can also raise 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 remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Smithtown, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable 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 check 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Smithtown, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Smithtown?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 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 above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
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.