Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lackawanna, NY (2024 Update)
- Lackawanna Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
- 25-Year Savings: $6,285
- Payback Period: 18.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lackawanna
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Lackawanna.
In Lackawanna, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Lackawanna, the average price of going solar will be about $11,696 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Lackawanna 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.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Lackawanna homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Lackawanna for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Lackawanna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,829 |
| 3 years | $-9,094 |
| 5 years | $-7,360 |
| 7 years | $-5,625 |
| 9 years | $-3,891 |
| 11 years | $-2,156 |
| 13 years | $-422 |
| 15 years | $1,313 |
| 17 years | $3,047 |
| 19 years | $4,782 |
| 21 years | $6,516 |
| 23 years | $8,251 |
| 25 years | $9,985 |
Top Solar Installers in Lackawanna
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and expertise. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Lackawanna:
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 Lackawanna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lackawanna
The cost of installing a solar system in Lackawanna can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lackawanna average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lackawanna have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact the cost. Lackawanna’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $4,685 | 19.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,655 | 19.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,830 | 18.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,209 | 18.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,793 | 17.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,580 | 17.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,573 | 17.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $22,770 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Lackawanna, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lackawanna?
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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lackawanna?
Solar panels aren’t free in Lackawanna, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Lackawanna have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.