Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alden, NY (Mar 2023)
- Alden Solar Installation Cost: $9,458
- 25-Year Savings: $5,905
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alden
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Alden.
In Alden, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Alden is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,458 for a solar installation, or $13,525 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Alden for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Alden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,843 |
| 3 years | $-7,614 |
| 5 years | $-6,385 |
| 7 years | $-5,156 |
| 9 years | $-3,927 |
| 11 years | $-2,698 |
| 13 years | $-1,469 |
| 15 years | $-240 |
| 17 years | $989 |
| 19 years | $2,218 |
| 21 years | $3,447 |
| 23 years | $4,676 |
| 25 years | $5,905 |
Top Solar Installers in Alden
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Alden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alden
Although the average cost of a solar system in Alden is $9,458, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 will be looking at 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Alden have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. 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're only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Alden, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $7,250 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $9,998 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $12,910 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $15,988 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $19,231 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $22,639 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $26,212 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $29,950 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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 most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Alden, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alden?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Alden?
You can't get solar panels for free in Alden. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.