Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Gates, NY (2023 Update)
- North Gates Solar Installation Cost: $8,611
- 25-Year Savings: $8,675
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Gates
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in North Gates.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Gates it's 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in North Gates is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,611 for a solar installation, or $12,314 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average North Gates homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be 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 savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Gates
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,920 |
| 3 years | $-6,537 |
| 5 years | $-5,154 |
| 7 years | $-3,771 |
| 9 years | $-2,388 |
| 11 years | $-1,005 |
| 13 years | $378 |
| 15 years | $1,761 |
| 17 years | $3,144 |
| 19 years | $4,527 |
| 21 years | $5,909 |
| 23 years | $7,292 |
| 25 years | $8,675 |
Top Solar Installers in North Gates
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 North Gates
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Gates
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in North Gates: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many North Gates homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for North Gates homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in North Gates, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better 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 companies.
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 | $11,990 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $16,317 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $20,810 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $25,467 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $30,290 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $35,278 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $40,431 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $45,749 | 11.2 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. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 North Gates, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Gates?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in North Gates, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in North Gates?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.