Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Salem, NY (2023 Update)
- North Salem Solar Installation Cost: $8,645
- 25-Year Savings: $6,155
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Salem
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in North Salem.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in North Salem typically cost about 2.95. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in North Salem, 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.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average North Salem homeowner. The price 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. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average North Salem homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in North Salem for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in North Salem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,819 |
| 3 years | $-6,167 |
| 5 years | $-4,515 |
| 7 years | $-2,863 |
| 9 years | $-1,211 |
| 11 years | $440 |
| 13 years | $2,092 |
| 15 years | $3,744 |
| 17 years | $5,396 |
| 19 years | $7,048 |
| 21 years | $8,700 |
| 23 years | $10,351 |
| 25 years | $12,003 |
Top Solar Installers in North Salem
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 North Salem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Salem
For many North Salem homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Salem, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall 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 factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in North Salem is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $8,326 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,432 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,703 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $18,139 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $21,741 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $25,507 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $29,439 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $33,536 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely 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 component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 North Salem, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Salem?
The average cost of solar panels in North Salem is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in North Salem?
A solar panel system isn't free in North Salem, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.