Solar Panel Cost Guide in White Plains, NY (2023 Update)

  • White Plains Solar Installation Cost: $8,652
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,687
  • Payback Period: 6.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 White Plains

We break down average solar pricing in White Plains.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in White Plains generally cost around 2.95. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in White Plains, most homeowners require a 4.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,652, or $12,372 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in White Plains can save around $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in White Plains

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,319
3 years $-4,652
5 years $-1,984
7 years $683
9 years $3,350
11 years $6,017
13 years $8,684
15 years $11,351
17 years $14,019
19 years $16,686
21 years $19,353
23 years $22,020
25 years $24,687

Top Solar Installers in White Plains

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 White Plains

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White Plains

For many White Plains homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in White Plains, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,950 per kilowatt in White Plains. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in White Plains, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in White Plains is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $34,898 6.7 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $46,861 6.6 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $58,989 6.5 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $71,283 6.4 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $83,741 6.2 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $96,365 6.1 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $109,154 6.0 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $122,108 5.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 White Plains, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in White Plains?

The average cost of solar panels in White Plains is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model 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 White Plains?

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 making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in White Plains?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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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