Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Island, NY (2024 Update)
- Grand Island Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
- 25-Year Savings: $11,018
- Payback Period: 18.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Island
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Grand Island.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Grand Island it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,696 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Grand Island homeowner can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Grand Island, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grand Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,787 |
| 3 years | $-8,970 |
| 5 years | $-7,153 |
| 7 years | $-5,336 |
| 9 years | $-3,519 |
| 11 years | $-1,702 |
| 13 years | $116 |
| 15 years | $1,933 |
| 17 years | $3,750 |
| 19 years | $5,567 |
| 21 years | $7,384 |
| 23 years | $9,201 |
| 25 years | $11,018 |
Top Solar Installers in Grand Island
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about using a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Grand Island, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Grand Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Island
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Grand Island: 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 panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 around $3,650. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Grand Island homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $5,299 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,475 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,854 | 18.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,438 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $15,227 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $18,220 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $21,417 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $24,819 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Grand Island, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grand Island?
The average cost of solar panels in Grand Island 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Grand Island?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Grand Island have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger level 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.