Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairview, NY (2023 Update)

  • Fairview Solar Installation Cost: $8,983
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,018
  • Payback Period: 10.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairview

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fairview.

The average cost of solar panels in Fairview is 2.95 per watt. The average Fairview homeowner needs a 4.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,983 with the federal tax credit, or $12,846 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fairview

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,103
3 years $-6,343
5 years $-4,583
7 years $-2,823
9 years $-1,063
11 years $697
13 years $2,458
15 years $4,218
17 years $5,978
19 years $7,738
21 years $9,498
23 years $11,258
25 years $13,018

Top Solar Installers in Fairview

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Fairview

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairview

The cost of installing a solar system in Fairview can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fairview average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

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 $17,451 10.6 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $23,599 10.4 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $29,912 10.2 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $36,389 10.0 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $43,033 9.8 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $49,841 9.6 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $56,814 9.4 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $63,953 9.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Fairview, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairview?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.

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