Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Salem, NY (2024 Update)
- North Salem Solar Installation Cost: $10,696
- 25-Year Savings: $6,155
- Payback Period: 18.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Salem
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in North Salem.
The average cost of a solar panel system in North Salem is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $10,696 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in North Salem can save around $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in North Salem for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in North Salem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,870 |
| 3 years | $-8,218 |
| 5 years | $-6,566 |
| 7 years | $-4,915 |
| 9 years | $-3,263 |
| 11 years | $-1,611 |
| 13 years | $41 |
| 15 years | $1,693 |
| 17 years | $3,345 |
| 19 years | $4,996 |
| 21 years | $6,648 |
| 23 years | $8,300 |
| 25 years | $9,952 |
Top Solar Installers in North Salem
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
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 install a solar energy system rests on 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 few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,650. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in North Salem, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for North Salem homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in North Salem, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 promotion 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $5,269 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,434 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,803 | 18.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,377 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $15,155 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $18,138 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $21,325 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $24,716 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's North Salem, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Salem?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in North Salem?
You can’t get solar panels for free in North Salem. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does North Salem have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.