Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Tonawanda, NY (2023 Update)

  • North Tonawanda Solar Installation Cost: $8,589
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,618
  • Payback Period: 13.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Tonawanda

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in North Tonawanda.

In North Tonawanda, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in North Tonawanda is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,590 for a solar installation, or $12,284 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Tonawanda find investing in solar can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in North Tonawanda for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in North Tonawanda

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,681
3 years $-5,864
5 years $-4,046
7 years $-2,229
9 years $-412
11 years $1,405
13 years $3,222
15 years $5,039
17 years $6,856
19 years $8,674
21 years $10,491
23 years $12,308
25 years $14,125

Top Solar Installers in North Tonawanda

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

There are several criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,950 per kilowatt in North Tonawanda. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Tonawanda average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many North Tonawanda homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for North Tonawanda homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 $10,493 13.8 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $14,321 13.5 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $18,314 13.2 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $22,472 13.0 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $26,796 12.7 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $31,285 12.5 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $35,939 12.2 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $40,758 11.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in North Tonawanda, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in North Tonawanda?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.

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