Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montgomery, NY (2023 Update)
- Montgomery Solar Installation Cost: $8,941
- 25-Year Savings: $13,319
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montgomery
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Montgomery.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Montgomery, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.95 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.3-kW system would cost about $8,941 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Montgomery homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Montgomery that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Montgomery
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,051 |
| 3 years | $-6,270 |
| 5 years | $-4,489 |
| 7 years | $-2,709 |
| 9 years | $-928 |
| 11 years | $853 |
| 13 years | $2,634 |
| 15 years | $4,415 |
| 17 years | $6,195 |
| 19 years | $7,976 |
| 21 years | $9,757 |
| 23 years | $11,538 |
| 25 years | $13,319 |
Top Solar Installers in Montgomery
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Montgomery
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montgomery
The cost of installing a solar system in Montgomery can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Montgomery average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Montgomery provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Montgomery, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $17,975 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $24,297 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $30,785 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $37,437 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $44,255 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $51,238 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $58,386 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $65,699 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Montgomery, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Montgomery?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Montgomery?
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 power bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.