Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Stream, NY (Nov 2022)
- Valley Stream Solar Installation Cost: $7,950
- 25-Year Savings: $19,905
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated 11/09/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley Stream
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Valley Stream.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Valley Stream it's $3 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Valley Stream, most homeowners require a 3.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,950, or $5,883 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Valley Stream for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Valley Stream
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,836 |
| 3 years | $-4,608 |
| 5 years | $-2,379 |
| 7 years | $-151 |
| 9 years | $2,078 |
| 11 years | $4,306 |
| 13 years | $6,534 |
| 15 years | $8,763 |
| 17 years | $10,991 |
| 19 years | $13,220 |
| 21 years | $15,448 |
| 23 years | $17,677 |
| 25 years | $19,905 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley Stream
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Valley Stream
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Stream
The cost of installing a solar system in Valley Stream can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,950. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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 for a solar system that's in 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 Valley Stream homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Valley Stream have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $30,543 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $41,055 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $51,732 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $62,573 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $73,581 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $84,753 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $96,090 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $107,593 | 6.4 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. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Valley Stream?
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 property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Valley Stream?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 the amount of 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 install 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.
