Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alexandria, NY (2024 Update)
- Alexandria Solar Installation Cost: $11,775
- 25-Year Savings: $6,690
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alexandria
We go over average solar pricing in Alexandria.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alexandria generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Alexandria is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,775 for a solar installation, or $16,838 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 needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Alexandria find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Alexandria, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alexandria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,866 |
| 3 years | $-9,049 |
| 5 years | $-7,232 |
| 7 years | $-5,415 |
| 9 years | $-3,598 |
| 11 years | $-1,780 |
| 13 years | $37 |
| 15 years | $1,854 |
| 17 years | $3,671 |
| 19 years | $5,488 |
| 21 years | $7,305 |
| 23 years | $9,122 |
| 25 years | $10,940 |
Top Solar Installers in Alexandria
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Alexandria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alexandria
While the average cost of a solar system in Alexandria is $11,775, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,650. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Alexandria, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Alexandria homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Alexandria, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $5,157 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,285 | 18.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,617 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,154 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,895 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,841 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,990 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $24,345 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Alexandria, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alexandria?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Alexandria?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Alexandria?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Alexandria?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.