Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cheektowaga, NY (Jan 2023)
- Cheektowaga Solar Installation Cost: $9,458
- 25-Year Savings: $6,238
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cheektowaga
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Cheektowaga.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cheektowaga, the average cost of solar panels is $3 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Cheektowaga is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,458 for a solar installation, or $6,999 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
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 consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high initial cost, the average Cheektowaga homeowner can save around $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cheektowaga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,830 |
| 3 years | $-7,574 |
| 5 years | $-6,319 |
| 7 years | $-5,063 |
| 9 years | $-3,807 |
| 11 years | $-2,552 |
| 13 years | $-1,296 |
| 15 years | $-41 |
| 17 years | $1,215 |
| 19 years | $2,471 |
| 21 years | $3,726 |
| 23 years | $4,982 |
| 25 years | $6,238 |
Top Solar Installers in Cheektowaga
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Cheektowaga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cheektowaga
While the average cost of a solar system in Cheektowaga is $9,458, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Cheektowaga homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cheektowaga is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with 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 car 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $7,686 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $10,579 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $13,637 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $16,860 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $20,248 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $23,801 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $27,520 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $31,403 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Cheektowaga, 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
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 Cheektowaga, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cheektowaga?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want additional 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 Cheektowaga?
You can't get solar panels for free in Cheektowaga. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Cheektowaga, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.