Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southport, NY (2024 Update)
- Southport Solar Installation Cost: $11,776
- 25-Year Savings: $5,069
- Payback Period: 20.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southport
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Southport.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Southport typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,776 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Southport homeowners see about $12,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Southport
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,950 |
| 3 years | $-9,298 |
| 5 years | $-7,647 |
| 7 years | $-5,995 |
| 9 years | $-4,343 |
| 11 years | $-2,691 |
| 13 years | $-1,039 |
| 15 years | $613 |
| 17 years | $2,264 |
| 19 years | $3,916 |
| 21 years | $5,568 |
| 23 years | $7,220 |
| 25 years | $8,872 |
Top Solar Installers in Southport
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Southport
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southport
There are many factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Southport average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Southport homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Southport, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $3,046 | 21.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $4,470 | 20.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $6,099 | 20.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $7,931 | 19.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $9,969 | 19.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $12,210 | 19.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $14,657 | 18.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $17,307 | 18.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part 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 Southport, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Southport?
The average cost of solar panels in Southport 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $632.97 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Southport?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.