Solar Panel Cost Guide in Amherst, NY (Feb 2023)
- Amherst Solar Installation Cost: $9,458
- 25-Year Savings: $6,163
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated January 20, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Amherst
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Amherst.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Amherst it's $3 per watt. Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Amherst, the average price of going solar will be about $9,458 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Amherst that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Amherst
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,833 |
| 3 years | $-7,583 |
| 5 years | $-6,334 |
| 7 years | $-5,084 |
| 9 years | $-3,834 |
| 11 years | $-2,585 |
| 13 years | $-1,335 |
| 15 years | $-85 |
| 17 years | $1,164 |
| 19 years | $2,414 |
| 21 years | $3,664 |
| 23 years | $4,913 |
| 25 years | $6,163 |
Top Solar Installers in Amherst
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Amherst
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Amherst
For many Amherst homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Amherst, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Amherst. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Amherst, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Amherst, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Amherst have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $7,589 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $10,449 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $13,474 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $16,664 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $20,020 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $23,540 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $27,226 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $31,077 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Amherst, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Amherst?
This is a tough 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Amherst have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated 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 long do solar panels last in Amherst?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.