Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rockland, NY (2024 Update)
- Rockland Solar Installation Cost: $11,236
- 25-Year Savings: $8,599
- Payback Period: 15.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rockland
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Rockland.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rockland generally cost about 4.Because a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Rockland, the average price of going solar will be about $11,236 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Rockland see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rockland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,118 |
| 3 years | $-7,883 |
| 5 years | $-5,648 |
| 7 years | $-3,414 |
| 9 years | $-1,179 |
| 11 years | $1,056 |
| 13 years | $3,291 |
| 15 years | $5,526 |
| 17 years | $7,761 |
| 19 years | $9,996 |
| 21 years | $12,231 |
| 23 years | $14,465 |
| 25 years | $16,700 |
Top Solar Installers in Rockland
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Rockland:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Rockland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rockland
For many Rockland homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rockland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Rockland, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Rockland, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $8,180 | 16.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $11,315 | 16.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $14,655 | 15.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $18,199 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $21,947 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $25,900 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $30,058 | 14.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $34,419 | 14.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types 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 keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Rockland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rockland?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Rockland?
Solar panels aren’t free in Rockland, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $804.09 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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.