Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sound Beach, NY (2024 Update)
- Sound Beach Solar Installation Cost: $9,930
- 25-Year Savings: $14,345
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sound Beach
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sound Beach.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sound Beach it’s 4 per watt.The average Sound Beach homeowner needs a 3.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,930 with the federal tax credit, or $14,200 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sound Beach
| 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 Sound Beach
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Sound Beach, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Sound Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sound Beach
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Sound Beach: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,650 per kilowatt in Sound Beach.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Sound Beach provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor 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
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Sound Beach’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 keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $3.80 | $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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When looking 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.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Sound Beach, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sound Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Sound Beach 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Sound Beach?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Sound Beach. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Sound Beach?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.