Solar Panel Cost Guide in LaFayette, NY (2024 Update)
- LaFayette Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
- 25-Year Savings: $6,290
- Payback Period: 18.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in LaFayette
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in LaFayette.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in LaFayette, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in LaFayette, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,835, or $16,924 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in LaFayette see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in LaFayette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,954 |
| 3 years | $-9,192 |
| 5 years | $-7,430 |
| 7 years | $-5,668 |
| 9 years | $-3,905 |
| 11 years | $-2,143 |
| 13 years | $-381 |
| 15 years | $1,381 |
| 17 years | $3,143 |
| 19 years | $4,905 |
| 21 years | $6,667 |
| 23 years | $8,429 |
| 25 years | $10,191 |
Top Solar Installers in LaFayette
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in LaFayette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in LaFayette
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,650. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater 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 discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $4,595 | 19.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,535 | 19.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,680 | 18.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,029 | 18.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,582 | 17.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,340 | 17.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,303 | 17.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $22,470 | 16.8 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's LaFayette, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in LaFayette?
The average cost of solar panels in LaFayette is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 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.