Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kent, NY (2023 Update)
- Kent Solar Installation Cost: $8,921
- 25-Year Savings: $9,479
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kent
We break down average solar pricing in Kent.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kent typically cost about 2.95. The average solar panel system size in Kent is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,921 for a solar installation, or $12,757 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
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 Kent
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,185 |
| 3 years | $-6,713 |
| 5 years | $-5,241 |
| 7 years | $-3,769 |
| 9 years | $-2,297 |
| 11 years | $-825 |
| 13 years | $647 |
| 15 years | $2,119 |
| 17 years | $3,591 |
| 19 years | $5,063 |
| 21 years | $6,535 |
| 23 years | $8,007 |
| 25 years | $9,479 |
Top Solar Installers in Kent
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, 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.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Kent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kent
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Kent: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Kent, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Kent homeowners, they can also increase 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
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Kent, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $12,661 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $17,211 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $21,927 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $26,808 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $31,854 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $37,066 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $42,442 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $47,984 | 10.9 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 efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
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 Kent, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kent?
The average cost of solar panels in Kent is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kent?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.