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

  • Tappan 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 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 Tappan

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

In Tappan, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Tappan 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.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Tappan

Year Return 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 Tappan

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Tappan, optimizing your ROI.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Tappan

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tappan

Although the average cost of a solar system in Tappan is $10,838, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,650 per kilowatt in Tappan.The brand and type 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tappan to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Tappan, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $22,389 10.4 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $30,260 10.2 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $38,336 10.0 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $46,617 9.8 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $55,102 9.6 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $63,791 9.4 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $72,685 9.2 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $81,783 9.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

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 Tappan, NY Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Tappan 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Tappan?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Tappan, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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 house 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.

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