Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brighton, NY (2024 Update)

  • Brighton Solar Installation Cost: $10,653
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,676
  • Payback Period: 15.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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 Brighton

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Brighton.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Brighton typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $10,653 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Brighton homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Brighton for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Brighton

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-9,746
3 years$-7,934
5 years$-6,122
7 years$-4,309
9 years$-2,497
11 years$-684
13 years$1,128
15 years$2,941
17 years$4,753
19 years$6,566
21 years$8,378
23 years$10,190
25 years$12,003

Top Solar Installers in Brighton

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another upside of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Brighton:

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 Brighton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brighton

The cost of installing a solar system in Brighton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel 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 nearly $3,650. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Brighton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.80$15,943$8,93316.0 years
8 kW$3.72$20,849$12,31915.7 years
10 kW$3.65$25,550$15,91015.4 years
12 kW$3.58$30,047$19,70515.1 years
14 kW$3.50$34,339$23,70414.8 years
16 kW$3.43$38,427$27,90814.5 years
18 kW$3.36$42,311$32,31714.2 years
20 kW$3.29$45,990$36,92913.9 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 tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

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 Brighton, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brighton?

The average cost of solar panels in Brighton 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Brighton?

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

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.