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 typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.3-kW system would cost about $11,083 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Galen, you can click the button below.
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
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Galen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Galen
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Galen is $11,083, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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
Most solar companies in Galen have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Galen is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Galen?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Galen, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.