Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dunkirk, NY (2024 Update)
- Dunkirk Solar Installation Cost: $11,849
- 25-Year Savings: $6,630
- Payback Period: 18.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dunkirk
We go over average solar pricing in Dunkirk.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dunkirk it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,849 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, 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.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Dunkirk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,940 |
| 3 years | $-9,123 |
| 5 years | $-7,306 |
| 7 years | $-5,489 |
| 9 years | $-3,672 |
| 11 years | $-1,855 |
| 13 years | $-38 |
| 15 years | $1,780 |
| 17 years | $3,597 |
| 19 years | $5,414 |
| 21 years | $7,231 |
| 23 years | $9,048 |
| 25 years | $10,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Dunkirk
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Dunkirk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dunkirk
There are several factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Dunkirk, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Dunkirk, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Dunkirk’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Dunkirk have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $5,025 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,109 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,397 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,889 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,586 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,488 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,594 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,904 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- 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.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Dunkirk, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dunkirk?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dunkirk?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $698.94 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Dunkirk?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.