Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kirkwood, NY (2023 Update)
- Kirkwood Solar Installation Cost: $9,582
- 25-Year Savings: $4,393
- Payback Period: 17.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kirkwood
We go over average solar pricing in Kirkwood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kirkwood, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Kirkwood, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,582, or $13,702 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Kirkwood homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Kirkwood can save about $11,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Kirkwood for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Kirkwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,023 |
| 3 years | $-7,905 |
| 5 years | $-6,787 |
| 7 years | $-5,669 |
| 9 years | $-4,551 |
| 11 years | $-3,433 |
| 13 years | $-2,315 |
| 15 years | $-1,197 |
| 17 years | $-79 |
| 19 years | $1,039 |
| 21 years | $2,157 |
| 23 years | $3,275 |
| 25 years | $4,393 |
Top Solar Installers in Kirkwood
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
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 Kirkwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kirkwood
For many Kirkwood homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kirkwood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 around $2,950. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Kirkwood average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Kirkwood homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Kirkwood's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $5,182 | 17.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $7,240 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $9,463 | 17.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $11,851 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $14,405 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $17,123 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $20,007 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $23,056 | 15.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Kirkwood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Kirkwood, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kirkwood?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Kirkwood?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.