Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kent, NY (2024 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.Since a 4.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Kent, the average price of going solar will be about $11,042 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation 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 power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Kent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kent
The cost of installing a solar system in Kent can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 about $3,650. 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 offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Kent is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Some companies 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the 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 | $3.80 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 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 $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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $851.54 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.