Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norfolk, NY (2023 Update)
- Norfolk Solar Installation Cost: $9,809
- 25-Year Savings: $5,950
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norfolk
We go over average solar pricing in Norfolk.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Norfolk generally cost about 2.95. The average Norfolk homeowner needs a 4.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,809 with the federal tax credit, or $14,027 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Norfolk can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Norfolk for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Norfolk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,178 |
| 3 years | $-7,918 |
| 5 years | $-6,657 |
| 7 years | $-5,396 |
| 9 years | $-4,135 |
| 11 years | $-2,875 |
| 13 years | $-1,614 |
| 15 years | $-353 |
| 17 years | $908 |
| 19 years | $2,168 |
| 21 years | $3,429 |
| 23 years | $4,690 |
| 25 years | $5,950 |
Top Solar Installers in Norfolk
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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 Norfolk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norfolk
There are several criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Norfolk average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Norfolk, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Norfolk is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that 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 choose a company that has 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 | $7,013 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $9,681 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $12,515 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $15,513 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $18,677 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $22,006 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $25,500 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $29,159 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
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 Norfolk, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Norfolk?
This is a difficult 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Norfolk have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation 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.
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 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 household 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.