Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montgomery, NY (2023 Update)
- Montgomery Solar Installation Cost: $8,937
- 25-Year Savings: $13,323
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montgomery
We break down average solar pricing in Montgomery.
In Montgomery, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Montgomery is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,941 for a solar installation, or $12,786 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Montgomery homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Montgomery for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Montgomery
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,674 |
| 3 years | $-5,147 |
| 5 years | $-2,621 |
| 7 years | $-95 |
| 9 years | $2,432 |
| 11 years | $4,958 |
| 13 years | $7,485 |
| 15 years | $10,011 |
| 17 years | $12,537 |
| 19 years | $15,064 |
| 21 years | $17,590 |
| 23 years | $20,117 |
| 25 years | $22,643 |
Top Solar Installers in Montgomery
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
See all of the solar companies in Montgomery
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montgomery
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Montgomery: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Montgomery, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Montgomery to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Montgomery, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more 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 names.
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 panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Montgomery, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Montgomery?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
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 allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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.