Solar Panel Cost Guide in Guilderland, NY (2024 Update)
- Guilderland Solar Installation Cost: $11,379
- 25-Year Savings: $7,537
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Guilderland
We break down average solar pricing in Guilderland.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Guilderland typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Guilderland is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,379 for a solar installation, or $16,272 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Guilderland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,435 |
| 3 years | $-8,547 |
| 5 years | $-6,659 |
| 7 years | $-4,771 |
| 9 years | $-2,883 |
| 11 years | $-995 |
| 13 years | $893 |
| 15 years | $2,781 |
| 17 years | $4,670 |
| 19 years | $6,558 |
| 21 years | $8,446 |
| 23 years | $10,334 |
| 25 years | $12,222 |
Top Solar Installers in Guilderland
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Guilderland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Guilderland
The cost of installing a solar system in Guilderland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,650. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Guilderland homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $6,600 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $9,209 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $12,023 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $15,041 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $18,263 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $21,689 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $25,320 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $29,156 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power 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 how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality 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 Guilderland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Guilderland?
The average cost of solar panels in Guilderland 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Guilderland?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Guilderland?
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 higher 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.