Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stony Brook, NY (2024 Update)

  • Stony Brook Solar Installation Cost: $9,930
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,345
  • Payback Period: 11.1 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 Stony Brook

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Stony Brook.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Stony Brook is 4 per watt.The average Stony Brook homeowner needs a 3.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,930 with the federal tax credit, or $14,200 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average Stony Brook homeowner can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Stony Brook, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Stony Brook

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,405
3 years $-5,354
5 years $-2,303
7 years $747
9 years $3,798
11 years $6,849
13 years $9,899
15 years $12,950
17 years $16,001
19 years $19,051
21 years $22,102
23 years $25,153
25 years $28,204

Top Solar Installers in Stony Brook

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

If you're searching for a solar company in Stony Brook, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Stony Brook

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stony Brook

The cost of installing a solar system in Stony Brook can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Stony Brook, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stony Brook to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Stony Brook have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $18,592 11.5 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $25,198 11.3 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $32,009 11.1 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $39,024 10.9 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $46,243 10.7 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $53,667 10.4 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $61,295 10.2 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $69,128 10.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.

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 Stony Brook, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stony Brook?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Stony Brook?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Stony Brook. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Stony Brook?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.

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

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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.

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