Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southeast, NY (2024 Update)
- Southeast Solar Installation Cost: $11,042
- 25-Year Savings: $15,072
- Payback Period: 16.0 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 Southeast
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Southeast.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Southeast typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Southeast is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,042 for a solar installation, or $15,790 before the 0 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 true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Southeast homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southeast
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,997 |
| 3 years | $-7,908 |
| 5 years | $-5,819 |
| 7 years | $-3,730 |
| 9 years | $-1,641 |
| 11 years | $448 |
| 13 years | $2,538 |
| 15 years | $4,627 |
| 17 years | $6,716 |
| 19 years | $8,805 |
| 21 years | $10,894 |
| 23 years | $12,983 |
| 25 years | $15,072 |
Top Solar Installers in Southeast
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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
See all of the solar companies in Southeast
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southeast
Although the average cost of a solar system in Southeast is $11,042, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Southeast, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Southeast, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Southeast homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Southeast, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $7,937 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $10,991 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $14,250 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $17,713 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $21,381 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $25,253 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $29,329 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $33,610 | 14.4 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Southeast, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southeast?
The average cost of solar panels in Southeast 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Southeast, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.