Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kirkland, NY (2024 Update)
- Kirkland Solar Installation Cost: $11,803
- 25-Year Savings: $6,140
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kirkland
We break down average solar pricing in Kirkland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kirkland it’s 4 per watt.Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Kirkland, the average price of going solar will be about $11,803 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kirkland find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kirkland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,928 |
| 3 years | $-9,177 |
| 5 years | $-7,426 |
| 7 years | $-5,675 |
| 9 years | $-3,924 |
| 11 years | $-2,173 |
| 13 years | $-422 |
| 15 years | $1,329 |
| 17 years | $3,080 |
| 19 years | $4,831 |
| 21 years | $6,582 |
| 23 years | $8,333 |
| 25 years | $10,084 |
Top Solar Installers in Kirkland
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Kirkland, optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Kirkland:
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 Kirkland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kirkland
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,650 per kilowatt in Kirkland.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Kirkland homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better 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 | $4,421 | 19.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,303 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,390 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,681 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,176 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $15,876 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $18,781 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $21,889 | 16.9 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 Kirkland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kirkland?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Kirkland is currently $187,643, so you can look forward to a value of about $7,693 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Kirkland is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Kirkland?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.