Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chestnut Ridge, NY (2024 Update)

  • Chestnut Ridge Solar Installation Cost: $10,838
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,340
  • Payback Period: 10.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 2024

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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 Chestnut Ridge

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Chestnut Ridge.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chestnut Ridge, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Chestnut Ridge homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,838 with the federal tax credit, or $15,498 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Chestnut Ridge based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Chestnut Ridge can save about $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Chestnut Ridge

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-9,497
3 years$-6,815
5 years$-4,133
7 years$-1,452
9 years$1,230
11 years$3,912
13 years$6,594
15 years$9,275
17 years$11,957
19 years$14,639
21 years$17,320
23 years$20,002
25 years$22,684

Top Solar Installers in Chestnut Ridge

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Chestnut Ridge:

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Chestnut Ridge

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chestnut Ridge

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Chestnut Ridge: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 $3,650 per kilowatt in Chestnut Ridge.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chestnut Ridge to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Chestnut Ridge, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Chestnut Ridge have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.80$15,943$22,38910.4 years
8 kW$3.72$20,849$30,26010.2 years
10 kW$3.65$25,550$38,33610.0 years
12 kW$3.58$30,047$46,6179.8 years
14 kW$3.50$34,339$55,1029.6 years
16 kW$3.43$38,427$63,7919.4 years
18 kW$3.36$42,311$72,6859.2 years
20 kW$3.29$45,990$81,7839.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar 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 a tough decision, 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. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Chestnut Ridge, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chestnut Ridge?

The average cost of solar panels in Chestnut Ridge is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Chestnut Ridge?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Chestnut Ridge. However, you may still be able to install 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.

Does Chestnut Ridge have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.