Solar Panel Cost Guide in Staten Island, NY (2023 Update)
- Staten Island Solar Installation Cost: $8,319
- 25-Year Savings: $25,021
- Payback Period: 6.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Staten Island
See how much it might cost to go solar in Staten Island.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Staten Island is 2.95 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Staten Island, most homeowners require a 4.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,322, or $11,900 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% 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 solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $31,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Staten Island find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Staten Island for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Staten Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,439 |
| 3 years | $-2,680 |
| 5 years | $1,079 |
| 7 years | $4,839 |
| 9 years | $8,598 |
| 11 years | $12,358 |
| 13 years | $16,117 |
| 15 years | $19,876 |
| 17 years | $23,636 |
| 19 years | $27,395 |
| 21 years | $31,154 |
| 23 years | $34,914 |
| 25 years | $38,673 |
Top Solar Installers in Staten Island
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Staten Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Staten Island
There are several criteria that can play into your 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Staten Island, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar installers in Staten Island offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Staten Island, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $36,769 | 6.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $49,356 | 6.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $62,108 | 6.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $75,025 | 6.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $88,107 | 6.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $101,355 | 5.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $114,767 | 5.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $128,345 | 5.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Staten Island, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Staten Island?
The average cost of solar panels in Staten Island is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Staten Island?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 get 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.