Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alfred, NY (2023 Update)
- Alfred Solar Installation Cost: $9,540
- 25-Year Savings: $6,776
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alfred
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Alfred.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Alfred is 2.95 per watt. Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Alfred, the average price of going solar will be about $9,540 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Alfred find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Alfred
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,715 |
| 3 years | $-7,063 |
| 5 years | $-5,411 |
| 7 years | $-3,759 |
| 9 years | $-2,107 |
| 11 years | $-455 |
| 13 years | $1,197 |
| 15 years | $2,848 |
| 17 years | $4,500 |
| 19 years | $6,152 |
| 21 years | $7,804 |
| 23 years | $9,456 |
| 25 years | $11,108 |
Top Solar Installers in Alfred
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Alfred, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Alfred
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alfred
There are several criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost 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 largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Alfred average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Alfred, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $8,304 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,402 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,665 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $18,094 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $21,688 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $25,447 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $29,371 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $33,461 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Alfred, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Alfred, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alfred?
The average cost of solar panels in Alfred is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Alfred have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.