Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Stream, NY (2024 Update)
- Valley Stream Solar Installation Cost: $9,833
- 25-Year Savings: $19,908
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley Stream
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Valley Stream.
The average cost of a solar system in Valley Stream is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Valley Stream, most homeowners require a 3.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,833, or $14,061 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Valley Stream homeowner. 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.Despite the large initial cost, the average Valley Stream homeowner can save around $28,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Valley Stream for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Valley Stream
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,071 |
| 3 years | $-4,548 |
| 5 years | $-1,025 |
| 7 years | $2,498 |
| 9 years | $6,022 |
| 11 years | $9,545 |
| 13 years | $13,068 |
| 15 years | $16,591 |
| 17 years | $20,114 |
| 19 years | $23,637 |
| 21 years | $27,160 |
| 23 years | $30,684 |
| 25 years | $34,207 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley Stream
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are several 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 Valley Stream
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Stream
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Valley Stream: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,650. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Valley Stream to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Valley Stream is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Valley Stream are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $27,486 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $37,056 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $46,832 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $56,811 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $66,995 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $77,383 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $87,976 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $98,773 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Valley Stream, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valley Stream?
The average cost of solar panels in Valley Stream is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Valley Stream?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Valley Stream. However, you may still be able to afford 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 solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,447.63 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.