Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southeast, NY (2023 Update)
- Southeast Solar Installation Cost: $8,921
- 25-Year Savings: $8,279
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southeast
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Southeast.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Southeast, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. Because a 4.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Southeast, the average price of going solar will be about $8,921 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Southeast depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Southeast homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southeast
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,233 |
| 3 years | $-6,857 |
| 5 years | $-5,481 |
| 7 years | $-4,105 |
| 9 years | $-2,729 |
| 11 years | $-1,353 |
| 13 years | $23 |
| 15 years | $1,399 |
| 17 years | $2,775 |
| 19 years | $4,151 |
| 21 years | $5,527 |
| 23 years | $6,903 |
| 25 years | $8,279 |
Top Solar Installers in Southeast
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Southeast:
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 Southeast
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southeast
There are a number of criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,950 per kilowatt in Southeast. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Southeast, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Southeast is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,994 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $14,990 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $19,150 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $23,476 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $27,967 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $32,623 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $37,444 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $42,430 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Southeast, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southeast?
The average cost of solar panels in Southeast 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Southeast?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Southeast have a net metering program?
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 utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.