Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Island, NY (2023 Update)

  • Grand Island Solar Installation Cost: $9,453
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,754
  • Payback Period: 14.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Island

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Grand Island.

In Grand Island, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average Grand Island homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,458 with the federal tax credit, or $13,525 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Grand Island homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Grand Island homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Grand Island for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Grand Island

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,544
3 years $-6,727
5 years $-4,910
7 years $-3,093
9 years $-1,276
11 years $541
13 years $2,359
15 years $4,176
17 years $5,993
19 years $7,810
21 years $9,627
23 years $11,444
25 years $13,261

Top Solar Installers in Grand Island

Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Grand Island, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Grand Island

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Island

There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Grand Island have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Grand Island's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Grand Island know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $8,357 15.2 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $11,473 14.9 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $14,754 14.6 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $18,201 14.3 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $21,813 14.0 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $25,589 13.7 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $29,531 13.4 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $33,639 13.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Get details 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.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Grand Island, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grand Island?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Grand Island?

Solar panels aren't free in Grand Island, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Grand Island?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get 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 household 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.

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