Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kent, NY (2025 Update)
- Kent Solar Installation Cost: $11,042
- 25-Year Savings: $9,476
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kent
We go over average solar pricing in Kent.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Kent is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Kent, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,042, or $15,790 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Kent can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized 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 | $-9,779 |
| 3 years | $-7,252 |
| 5 years | $-4,726 |
| 7 years | $-2,199 |
| 9 years | $327 |
| 11 years | $2,853 |
| 13 years | $5,380 |
| 15 years | $7,906 |
| 17 years | $10,433 |
| 19 years | $12,959 |
| 21 years | $15,485 |
| 23 years | $18,012 |
| 25 years | $20,538 |
Top Solar Installers in Kent
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, 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.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Kent, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Kent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kent
Although the average cost of a solar system in Kent is $11,042, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,650 per kilowatt in Kent.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 Kent homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Kent, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $9,603 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $13,213 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $17,027 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $21,046 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $25,269 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $29,696 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $34,328 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $39,164 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 past customers.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Kent, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kent?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Kent?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Kent. 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Kent, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.