Solar Panel Cost Guide in Staten Island, NY (2024 Update)
- Staten Island Solar Installation Cost: $10,293
- 25-Year Savings: $25,021
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Staten Island
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Staten Island.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Staten Island, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 4.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Staten Island, the average price of going solar will be about $10,293 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $31,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Staten Island find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Staten Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,413 |
| 3 years | $-4,654 |
| 5 years | $-895 |
| 7 years | $2,865 |
| 9 years | $6,624 |
| 11 years | $10,384 |
| 13 years | $14,143 |
| 15 years | $17,902 |
| 17 years | $21,662 |
| 19 years | $25,421 |
| 21 years | $29,180 |
| 23 years | $32,940 |
| 25 years | $36,699 |
Top Solar Installers in Staten Island
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Staten Island, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar company in Staten Island, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
- 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 Staten Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Staten Island
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Staten Island, 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Staten Island, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 above the equipment and labor 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 solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Staten Island, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $33,711 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $45,357 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $57,208 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $69,262 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $81,521 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $93,985 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $106,653 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $119,525 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Staten Island, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Staten Island?
The average cost of solar panels in Staten Island is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Staten Island?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Staten Island. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,655.15 per year.
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 uses 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 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.