Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Edward, NY (2023 Update)
- Fort Edward Solar Installation Cost: $9,507
- 25-Year Savings: $6,348
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Edward
We go over average solar pricing in Fort Edward.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Edward, the average cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Fort Edward, the average price of going solar will be about $9,499 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Fort Edward see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Fort Edward, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Edward
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,454 |
| 3 years | $-9,349 |
| 5 years | $-9,243 |
| 7 years | $-9,137 |
| 9 years | $-9,031 |
| 11 years | $-8,926 |
| 13 years | $-8,820 |
| 15 years | $-8,714 |
| 17 years | $-8,609 |
| 19 years | $-8,503 |
| 21 years | $-8,397 |
| 23 years | $-8,292 |
| 25 years | $-8,186 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Edward
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Fort Edward, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fort Edward
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Edward
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Fort Edward: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Fort Edward, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fort Edward average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Fort Edward homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Fort Edward, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $7,777 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $10,700 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $13,788 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $17,042 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $20,460 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $24,044 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $27,793 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $31,707 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Fort Edward, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Edward?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Edward?
A solar panel system isn't free in Fort Edward, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fort Edward is currently $154,469, so you could be looking at a value of about $6,333 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fort Edward is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Edward?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.