Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southold, NY (2025 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

Updated January 24, 2025

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southold

We go over average solar pricing in Southold.

In Southold, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 3.9-kW system would cost about $9,930 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Southold can save around $24,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Southold

YearReturn 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

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

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See all of the solar companies in Southold

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southold

Although the average cost of a solar system in Southold is $9,930, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Southold, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, 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

Most solar installers in Southold provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.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 can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence the cost. Southold’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.80$15,943$22,01310.5 years
8 kW$3.72$20,849$29,76010.3 years
10 kW$3.65$25,550$37,71110.1 years
12 kW$3.58$30,047$45,8679.9 years
14 kW$3.50$34,339$54,2269.7 years
16 kW$3.43$38,427$62,7919.5 years
18 kW$3.36$42,311$71,5599.3 years
20 kW$3.29$45,990$80,5329.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Southold, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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EcoWatch's Southold, NY Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost 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 your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

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 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.