Solar Panel Cost Guide in Galen, NY (2024 Update)
- Galen Solar Installation Cost: $11,083
- 25-Year Savings: $7,086
- Payback Period: 17.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Galen
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Galen.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Galen, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Galen homeowner needs a 4.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,083 with the federal tax credit, or $15,849 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Galen see about $14,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Galen that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Galen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,257 |
| 3 years | $-8,605 |
| 5 years | $-6,953 |
| 7 years | $-5,301 |
| 9 years | $-3,650 |
| 11 years | $-1,998 |
| 13 years | $-346 |
| 15 years | $1,306 |
| 17 years | $2,958 |
| 19 years | $4,610 |
| 21 years | $6,261 |
| 23 years | $7,913 |
| 25 years | $9,565 |
Top Solar Installers in Galen
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Galen, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Galen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Galen
For many Galen homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Galen, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,650 per kilowatt in Galen.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Galen homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Galen, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $6,248 | 18.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $8,739 | 17.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $11,435 | 17.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $14,335 | 16.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $17,439 | 16.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $20,748 | 16.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $24,262 | 15.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $27,979 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Galen, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Galen?
The average cost of solar panels in Galen is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Galen?
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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Galen, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.