Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Bay Shore, NY (Mar 2023)

  • West Bay Shore Solar Installation Cost: $8,033
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,338
  • Payback Period: 9.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 West Bay Shore

We break down average solar pricing 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 needs 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 actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in West Bay Shore can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in West Bay Shore for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in West Bay Shore

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,138
3 years $-5,348
5 years $-3,559
7 years $-1,769
9 years $21
11 years $1,810
13 years $3,600
15 years $5,390
17 years $7,179
19 years $8,969
21 years $10,759
23 years $12,548
25 years $14,338

Top Solar Installers in West Bay Shore

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 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 depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, 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. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 for a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in West Bay Shore, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include 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 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 a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 West Bay Shore, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Bay Shore?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for 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 most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How long do solar panels last in West Bay Shore?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.

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