Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lewiston, NY (2024 Update)

  • Lewiston Solar Installation Cost: $10,627
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,618
  • Payback Period: 16.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lewiston

We go over average solar pricing in Lewiston.

The average cost of solar panels in Lewiston is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $10,627 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Lewiston homeowner can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Lewiston

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,719
3 years $-7,902
5 years $-6,085
7 years $-4,267
9 years $-2,450
11 years $-633
13 years $1,184
15 years $3,001
17 years $4,818
19 years $6,635
21 years $8,453
23 years $10,270
25 years $12,087

Top Solar Installers in Lewiston

Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

If you're looking for a solar company in Lewiston, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Lewiston

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lewiston

Although the average cost of a solar system in Lewiston is $10,627, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Lewiston, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Lewiston average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should consider 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.Larger national companies generally 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 add-on 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 $3.80 $15,943 $7,435 17.0 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $10,322 16.7 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $13,414 16.4 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $16,710 16.1 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $20,210 15.7 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $23,915 15.4 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $27,824 15.1 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $31,938 14.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Lewiston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • 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 install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 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 usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Lewiston is currently $305,408, which means you could be looking at a value of about $12,522 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Lewiston is a fruitful investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.

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