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

  • Alfred Solar Installation Cost: $11,804
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,776
  • Payback Period: 18.1 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 Alfred

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Alfred.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Alfred is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Alfred, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,804, or $16,880 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Alfred homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To receive a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Alfred, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Alfred

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,978
3 years $-9,327
5 years $-7,675
7 years $-6,023
9 years $-4,371
11 years $-2,719
13 years $-1,067
15 years $585
17 years $2,236
19 years $3,888
21 years $5,540
23 years $7,192
25 years $8,844

Top Solar Installers in Alfred

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another good thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Alfred

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alfred

The cost of installing a solar system in Alfred can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Alfred, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Alfred homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Alfred, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $5,246 18.8 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $7,403 18.4 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $9,765 18.1 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $12,332 17.7 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $15,102 17.4 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $18,077 17.0 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $21,257 16.6 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $24,641 16.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 Alfred, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alfred?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Alfred?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Alfred, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Does Alfred have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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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