Solar Panel Cost Guide in Central Islip, NY (2024 Update)

  • Central Islip Solar Installation Cost: $9,930
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,345
  • Payback Period: 11.1 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

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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 Central Islip

We go over average solar pricing in Central Islip.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Central Islip, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Central Islip homeowner needs a 3.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,930 with the federal tax credit, or $14,200 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Central Islip homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Central Islip find installing solar panels can pay off big.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Central Islip

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-8,405
3 years$-5,354
5 years$-2,303
7 years$747
9 years$3,798
11 years$6,849
13 years$9,899
15 years$12,950
17 years$16,001
19 years$19,051
21 years$22,102
23 years$25,153
25 years$28,204

Top Solar Installers in Central Islip

When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Central Islip

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Central Islip

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Central Islip is $9,930, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Central Islip, one of the most important 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 figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, 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

If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular 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.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Central Islip homeowners, they can also raise 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

A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Central Islip is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.80$15,943$18,59211.5 years
8 kW$3.72$20,849$25,19811.3 years
10 kW$3.65$25,550$32,00911.1 years
12 kW$3.58$30,047$39,02410.9 years
14 kW$3.50$34,339$46,24310.7 years
16 kW$3.43$38,427$53,66710.4 years
18 kW$3.36$42,311$61,29510.2 years
20 kW$3.29$45,990$69,12810.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • 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 significant role in the company you choose.

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 Central Islip, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Central Islip?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on electricity 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 $1,151.18 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.