Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gates, NY (2024 Update)
- Gates Solar Installation Cost: $10,653
- 25-Year Savings: $8,407
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gates
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Gates.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gates it’s 4 per watt.Since a 4.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Gates, the average price of going solar will be about $10,653 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Gates can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Gates, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gates
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,746 |
| 3 years | $-7,932 |
| 5 years | $-6,119 |
| 7 years | $-4,305 |
| 9 years | $-2,491 |
| 11 years | $-678 |
| 13 years | $1,136 |
| 15 years | $2,949 |
| 17 years | $4,763 |
| 19 years | $6,577 |
| 21 years | $8,390 |
| 23 years | $10,204 |
| 25 years | $12,018 |
Top Solar Installers in Gates
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Gates
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gates
For many Gates homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gates, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Gates, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Gates, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Gates homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Gates, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $8,544 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $11,801 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $15,263 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $18,928 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $22,798 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $26,873 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $31,152 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $35,635 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. 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 take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Get details 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.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Gates, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gates?
The average cost of solar panels in Gates is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Gates?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Gates. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Gates is currently $251,492, so you could be looking at a value of about $10,311 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Gates is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.