Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cheektowaga, NY (2023 Update)
- Cheektowaga Solar Installation Cost: $9,453
- 25-Year Savings: $6,243
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 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 2.95 per watt. Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Cheektowaga, the average price of going solar will be about $9,458 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Cheektowaga can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cheektowaga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,590 |
| 3 years | $-6,865 |
| 5 years | $-5,140 |
| 7 years | $-3,414 |
| 9 years | $-1,689 |
| 11 years | $36 |
| 13 years | $1,762 |
| 15 years | $3,487 |
| 17 years | $5,212 |
| 19 years | $6,938 |
| 21 years | $8,663 |
| 23 years | $10,388 |
| 25 years | $12,114 |
Top Solar Installers in Cheektowaga
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Cheektowaga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cheektowaga
For many Cheektowaga homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cheektowaga, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cheektowaga to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Cheektowaga's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally 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. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Cheektowaga, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cheektowaga?
The average cost of solar panels in Cheektowaga 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cheektowaga?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.