Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lewiston, NY (Feb 2023)
- Lewiston Solar Installation Cost: $8,590
- 25-Year Savings: $7,617
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated January 20, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lewiston
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Lewiston.
The average cost of a solar system in Lewiston is $3 per watt. The average Lewiston homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,590, or $6,357 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Lewiston based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Lewiston for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Lewiston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,942 |
| 3 years | $-6,646 |
| 5 years | $-5,349 |
| 7 years | $-4,052 |
| 9 years | $-2,756 |
| 11 years | $-1,459 |
| 13 years | $-163 |
| 15 years | $1,134 |
| 17 years | $2,430 |
| 19 years | $3,727 |
| 21 years | $5,023 |
| 23 years | $6,320 |
| 25 years | $7,617 |
Top Solar Installers in Lewiston
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Lewiston, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Lewiston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lewiston
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Lewiston: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,950 per kilowatt in Lewiston. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lewiston average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Lewiston, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Lewiston homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Lewiston, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Lewiston are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $10,493 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $14,321 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $18,314 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $22,472 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $26,796 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $31,285 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $35,939 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $40,758 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company 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:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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 do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Lewiston, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lewiston?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lewiston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $779.28 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.