Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Bay Shore, NY (2024 Update)

  • West Bay Shore 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 April 21, 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 West Bay Shore

We go over average solar pricing in West Bay Shore.

In West Bay Shore, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in West Bay Shore is around 3.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,930 for a solar installation, or $14,200 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in West Bay Shore

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 West Bay Shore

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 West Bay Shore

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Bay Shore

Although the average cost of a solar system in West Bay Shore is $9,930, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in West Bay Shore, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total 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 considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West Bay Shore 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 avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in West Bay Shore, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 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 company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.

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 West Bay Shore, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Bay Shore?

The average cost of solar panels in West Bay Shore 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

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

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

How long do solar panels last in West Bay Shore?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.

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.