Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clifton Park, NY (2023 Update)
- Clifton Park Solar Installation Cost: $11,457
- 25-Year Savings: $6,244
- Payback Period: 18.5 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clifton Park
We go over average solar pricing in Clifton Park.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clifton Park it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Clifton Park, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,457, or $16,384 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Clifton Park depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the large initial cost, the average Clifton Park homeowner can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Clifton Park for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clifton Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,589 |
| 3 years | $-8,855 |
| 5 years | $-7,120 |
| 7 years | $-5,386 |
| 9 years | $-3,651 |
| 11 years | $-1,917 |
| 13 years | $-182 |
| 15 years | $1,552 |
| 17 years | $3,287 |
| 19 years | $5,021 |
| 21 years | $6,756 |
| 23 years | $8,490 |
| 25 years | $10,225 |
Top Solar Installers in Clifton Park
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
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
See all of the solar companies in Clifton Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clifton Park
The cost of installing a solar system in Clifton Park can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable 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 raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only 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 Clifton Park homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.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 can only 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 interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Clifton Park, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $4,802 | 19.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,811 | 18.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,025 | 18.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,443 | 18.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,066 | 17.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,893 | 17.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,924 | 17.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,160 | 16.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Clifton Park, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clifton Park?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Clifton Park?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Clifton Park is currently $306,701, which means you can look forward to a value of about $12,575 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clifton Park is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.