A New York homeowner looking into rooftop solar got a surprise before any panels were even installed.
Here's what to know
On a Reddit thread, the homeowner said they had gathered several estimates for a 16-kW system in the Northeast and came away thinking the numbers were far too high, especially compared with what their father paid for a 9-kW system. They were facing cash quotes of $63,000 to $64,000 for a 16-kilowatt system with no battery.
The discussion that followed highlighted a frustrating reality for shoppers. Solar pricing can vary widely, and financing structures can make it harder to tell what a system actually costs.
One commenter did not hold back: "That is ridiculously overpriced assuming no battery and a straightforward install. Get several more quotes."
The original poster said a prepaid-lease option would put the post-credit cost at about $37,000, but added that they were uneasy about the contract language.
The same commenter who called out the high prices said the lease structure itself might be pushing the headline price higher.
The OP also broke down the quote in simpler terms: "My calculations comes out to about $3.88-$4.00/watt. Average cost should be about $2.75/watt in my area. Got 3 quotes and they were around the same price. WTF."
More background
Going solar can be one of the best ways to save money on home energy over time, but only if the upfront numbers make sense. Homeowners comparing offers can try EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes side by side.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
Price differences between systems of similar size are common because installation details vary. Roof pitch, electrical upgrades, equipment brand, installer overhead, and local permitting can all change the final number, as can financing arrangements.
A well-priced solar system can reduce utility bills for years and help protect a household from rising energy costs. An overpriced system, however, or a contract that makes incentives harder to understand, can erase much of the expected savings.
For comparison, one commenter said cash quotes in the Boston area were running about $25,000 to $31,000 for 10- to 12-kW systems, with a battery adding roughly another $12,000 to $15,000.
What can be done?
To make offers easier to judge, consumers can line up multiple quotes using the same points of comparison, such as cash price before incentives, price per watt, expected annual energy production, equipment models, and whether panel or service upgrades are included.
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Reviewing those details side by side can help show whether a quote reflects the real install cost or a financing package presented as a bargain.
Tools can help with that process. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on solar purchases and installations.
Homeowners can also use EnergySage's solar map, which shows the average cost of a home solar panel system by state, along with details on local incentives. Together, those resources can help homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels.
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is also one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. For homeowners who want to weigh that option too, EnergySage offers information about home battery storage options, including competitive installation estimates.
Where can I learn more?
Homeowners' weighing high solar quotes or murky lease terms is quite common, unfortunately.
• Energy experts say solar panel lease math can quickly undercut long-term savings.
• One homeowner's zero-cost solar lease raised fresh doubts about whether the deal was real.
• One new homeowner learned rooftop solar panels did not stop a shocking $420 bill.
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