Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Tonawanda, NY (2024 Update)
- North Tonawanda Solar Installation Cost: $10,627
- 25-Year Savings: $7,618
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Tonawanda
We break down average solar pricing in North Tonawanda.
In North Tonawanda, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in North Tonawanda is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,627 for a solar installation, or $15,197 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large upfront cost, the average North Tonawanda homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in North Tonawanda for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in North Tonawanda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,719 |
| 3 years | $-7,902 |
| 5 years | $-6,085 |
| 7 years | $-4,267 |
| 9 years | $-2,450 |
| 11 years | $-633 |
| 13 years | $1,184 |
| 15 years | $3,001 |
| 17 years | $4,818 |
| 19 years | $6,635 |
| 21 years | $8,453 |
| 23 years | $10,270 |
| 25 years | $12,087 |
Top Solar Installers in North Tonawanda
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in North Tonawanda:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in North Tonawanda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Tonawanda
For many North Tonawanda homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Tonawanda, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in North Tonawanda, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many North Tonawanda homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate 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
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in North Tonawanda, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $7,435 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $10,322 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $13,414 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $16,710 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $20,210 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $23,915 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $27,824 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $31,938 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system 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 difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected 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 do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's North Tonawanda, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Tonawanda?
This is a tough 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 cost more 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 choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in North Tonawanda?
Solar panels aren’t free in North Tonawanda, 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 help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in North Tonawanda?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in North Tonawanda?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.