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

  • Amherst Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,168
  • Payback Period: 18.7 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 Amherst

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Amherst.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Amherst is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Amherst, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,696, or $16,725 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Amherst see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Amherst, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Amherst

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,839
3 years $-9,125
5 years $-7,411
7 years $-5,698
9 years $-3,984
11 years $-2,270
13 years $-556
15 years $1,158
17 years $2,872
19 years $4,585
21 years $6,299
23 years $8,013
25 years $9,727

Top Solar Installers in Amherst

Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you're looking for a solar company in Amherst, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Amherst

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Amherst

Although the average cost of a solar system in Amherst is $11,696, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,650 per kilowatt in Amherst.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Amherst homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Amherst’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk 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 promotion 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 $3.80 $15,943 $4,531 19.5 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $6,450 19.1 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $8,574 18.7 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $10,902 18.3 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $13,434 18.0 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $16,171 17.6 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $19,112 17.2 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $22,257 16.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

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 Amherst, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Amherst?

The average cost of solar panels in Amherst is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Amherst?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Amherst. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather 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 choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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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