Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake George, NY (2023 Update)
- Lake George Solar Installation Cost: $9,375
- 25-Year Savings: $6,832
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake George
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Lake George.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lake George typically cost about 2.95. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Lake George, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,375, or $13,406 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Lake George for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Lake George
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,727 |
| 3 years | $-7,430 |
| 5 years | $-6,134 |
| 7 years | $-4,837 |
| 9 years | $-3,541 |
| 11 years | $-2,244 |
| 13 years | $-947 |
| 15 years | $349 |
| 17 years | $1,646 |
| 19 years | $2,942 |
| 21 years | $4,239 |
| 23 years | $5,535 |
| 25 years | $6,832 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake George
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Lake George, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Lake George
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake George
For many Lake George homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Lake George, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,950. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Lake George, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Lake George provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's wise to add 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Lake George's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.07 | $12,886 | $8,537 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,712 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $15,054 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $18,560 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $22,231 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $26,068 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $30,070 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $34,237 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Lake George, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Lake George, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lake George?
The average cost of solar panels in Lake George is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lake George?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $714.07 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.