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

  • Suffern Solar Installation Cost: $10,838
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,340
  • Payback Period: 10.0 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Suffern

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Suffern.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Suffern typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $10,838 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 will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Suffern that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Suffern

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,497
3 years $-6,815
5 years $-4,133
7 years $-1,452
9 years $1,230
11 years $3,912
13 years $6,594
15 years $9,275
17 years $11,957
19 years $14,639
21 years $17,320
23 years $20,002
25 years $22,684

Top Solar Installers in Suffern

Do-it-yourself 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. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Suffern

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Suffern

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

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Suffern to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Suffern, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

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 $22,389 10.4 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $30,260 10.2 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $38,336 10.0 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $46,617 9.8 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $55,102 9.6 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $63,791 9.4 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $72,685 9.2 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $81,783 9.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Suffern, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.

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 Suffern, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Suffern?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Suffern?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford 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.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Suffern is currently $486,266, so you can expect a value of about $19,937 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Suffern is a worthwhile investment.

What solar power system size is right for 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 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.

Follow us