Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montrose, NY (2023 Update)

  • Montrose Solar Installation Cost: $8,652
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,687
  • Payback Period: 6.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Montrose

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Montrose.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Montrose, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Montrose, most homeowners require a 4.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,652, or $12,372 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $30,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Montrose find investing in solar can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Montrose for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Montrose

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,319
3 years $-4,652
5 years $-1,984
7 years $683
9 years $3,350
11 years $6,017
13 years $8,684
15 years $11,351
17 years $14,019
19 years $16,686
21 years $19,353
23 years $22,020
25 years $24,687

Top Solar Installers in Montrose

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Montrose, we've compiled 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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Montrose

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montrose

There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Montrose to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. It's a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Montrose, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 $34,898 6.7 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $46,861 6.6 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $58,989 6.5 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $71,283 6.4 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $83,741 6.2 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $96,365 6.1 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $109,154 6.0 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $122,108 5.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Montrose, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Montrose?

The average cost of solar panels in Montrose 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Montrose?

A solar panel system isn't free in Montrose, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Montrose?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size 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 house 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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