Solar Panel Cost Guide in Glens Falls, NY (2024 Update)
- Glens Falls Solar Installation Cost: $11,598
- 25-Year Savings: $6,833
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Glens Falls
We break down average solar pricing in Glens Falls.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Glens Falls it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Glens Falls, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,598, or $16,585 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Glens Falls based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Glens Falls homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Glens Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,689 |
| 3 years | $-8,872 |
| 5 years | $-7,055 |
| 7 years | $-5,238 |
| 9 years | $-3,421 |
| 11 years | $-1,604 |
| 13 years | $214 |
| 15 years | $2,031 |
| 17 years | $3,848 |
| 19 years | $5,665 |
| 21 years | $7,482 |
| 23 years | $9,299 |
| 25 years | $11,116 |
Top Solar Installers in Glens Falls
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Glens Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Glens Falls
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 Glens Falls: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,650. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Glens Falls, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Glens Falls provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When trying to figure 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
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $5,479 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,714 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,154 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,798 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $15,646 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $18,699 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $21,956 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $25,417 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Glens Falls, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Glens Falls?
The average cost of solar panels in Glens Falls 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Glens Falls?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Glens Falls. 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 home 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 Glens Falls is currently $232,090, so you can look forward to a value of about $9,516 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Glens Falls is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.