Solar Panel Cost Guide in Guilderland, NY (2023 Update)
- Guilderland Solar Installation Cost: $9,189
- 25-Year Savings: $7,544
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Guilderland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Guilderland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Guilderland, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,189 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Guilderland depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the large initial cost, the average Guilderland homeowner can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Guilderland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,520 |
| 3 years | $-7,181 |
| 5 years | $-5,842 |
| 7 years | $-4,504 |
| 9 years | $-3,165 |
| 11 years | $-1,826 |
| 13 years | $-488 |
| 15 years | $851 |
| 17 years | $2,190 |
| 19 years | $3,528 |
| 21 years | $4,867 |
| 23 years | $6,206 |
| 25 years | $7,544 |
Top Solar Installers in Guilderland
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Guilderland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Guilderland
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Guilderland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Guilderland. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Guilderland average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Guilderland to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Guilderland homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Guilderland's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $9,658 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $13,208 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $16,923 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $20,803 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $24,848 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $29,059 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $33,435 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $37,976 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Guilderland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Guilderland?
The average cost of solar panels in Guilderland is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Guilderland?
You can't get solar panels for free in Guilderland. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Guilderland is currently $200,896, so you could be looking at a value of about $8,237 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Guilderland is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.