Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southold, NY (2024 Update)

  • Southold Solar Installation Cost: $9,930
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,561
  • Payback Period: 10.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southold

We go over average solar pricing in Southold.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Southold it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Southold, most homeowners require a 3.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,930, or $14,200 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Southold based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $24,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Southold find investing in solar can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Southold

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,340
3 years $-5,159
5 years $-1,978
7 years $1,203
9 years $4,384
11 years $7,564
13 years $10,745
15 years $13,926
17 years $17,107
19 years $20,288
21 years $23,469
23 years $26,649
25 years $29,830

Top Solar Installers in Southold

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another perk of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Southold

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southold

For many Southold homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Southold, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Southold, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Southold average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Southold have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Southold homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

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 $22,013 10.5 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $29,760 10.3 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $37,711 10.1 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $45,867 9.9 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $54,226 9.7 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $62,791 9.5 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $71,559 9.3 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $80,532 9.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely 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 if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Southold, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southold?

The average cost of solar panels in Southold is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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