Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ghent, NY (2023 Update)
- Ghent Solar Installation Cost: $9,169
- 25-Year Savings: $6,914
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ghent
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Ghent.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Ghent is 2.95 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $9,169 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Ghent homeowner can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Ghent for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ghent
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,115 |
| 3 years | $-9,008 |
| 5 years | $-8,900 |
| 7 years | $-8,793 |
| 9 years | $-8,686 |
| 11 years | $-8,579 |
| 13 years | $-8,472 |
| 15 years | $-8,364 |
| 17 years | $-8,257 |
| 19 years | $-8,150 |
| 21 years | $-8,043 |
| 23 years | $-7,936 |
| 25 years | $-7,828 |
Top Solar Installers in Ghent
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Ghent:
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 Ghent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ghent
The cost of installing a solar system in Ghent can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why 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. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ghent average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ghent, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 | $8,848 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $12,128 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $15,573 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $19,183 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $22,958 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $26,899 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $31,004 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $35,275 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Even 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 what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Ghent, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ghent?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ghent?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $724.45 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Ghent?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of 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.