Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wheatley Heights, NY (2023 Update)

  • Wheatley Heights Solar Installation Cost: $8,026
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,345
  • 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 September 15, 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 Wheatley Heights

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Wheatley Heights.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Wheatley Heights typically cost around 2.95. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Wheatley Heights, most homeowners require a 3.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,033, or $11,487 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Wheatley Heights 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. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Wheatley Heights can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Wheatley Heights, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Wheatley Heights

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 Wheatley Heights

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another advantage of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Wheatley Heights

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wheatley Heights

There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar 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 about $2,950. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than 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 searching for a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Wheatley Heights homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Wheatley Heights homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 promotions to compete with those major players.

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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Wheatley Heights, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wheatley Heights?

The average cost of solar panels in Wheatley Heights 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Wheatley Heights?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Wheatley Heights, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate 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?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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