Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tappan, NY (2024 Update)
- Tappan Solar Installation Cost: $10,838
- 25-Year Savings: $18,340
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tappan
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Tappan.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Tappan, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Tappan is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,838 for a solar installation, or $15,498 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Tappan homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large initial cost, the average Tappan homeowner can save about $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tappan
| 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 Tappan
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Tappan, optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Tappan, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Tappan
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tappan
While the average cost of a solar system in Tappan is $10,838, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better 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.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Tappan homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Tappan is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing 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 installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Tappan, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tappan?
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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Tappan?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Tappan, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 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 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.