Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Bay Shore, NY (2023 Update)
- West Bay Shore Solar Installation Cost: $8,026
- 25-Year Savings: $14,345
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Bay Shore
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in West Bay Shore.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Bay Shore it's 2.95 per watt. Since a 3.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in West Bay Shore, the average price of going solar will be about $8,033 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. 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 $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in West Bay Shore, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Bay Shore
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,951 |
| 3 years | $-7,802 |
| 5 years | $-7,653 |
| 7 years | $-7,504 |
| 9 years | $-7,355 |
| 11 years | $-7,206 |
| 13 years | $-7,056 |
| 15 years | $-6,907 |
| 17 years | $-6,758 |
| 19 years | $-6,609 |
| 21 years | $-6,460 |
| 23 years | $-6,311 |
| 25 years | $-6,162 |
Top Solar Installers in West Bay Shore
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in West Bay Shore
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Bay Shore
The cost of installing a solar system in West Bay Shore can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in West Bay Shore, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Bay Shore, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Most solar installers in West Bay Shore have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in West Bay Shore, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more 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 lower 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $21,650 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $29,197 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $36,909 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $44,786 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $52,829 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $61,037 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $69,410 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $77,948 | 8.1 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's West Bay Shore, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Bay Shore?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Bay Shore?
You can't get solar panels for free in West Bay Shore. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in West Bay Shore?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.