Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Tonawanda, NY (Mar 2023)
- North Tonawanda Solar Installation Cost: $8,590
- 25-Year Savings: $7,617
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Tonawanda
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in North Tonawanda.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Tonawanda it's 2.95 per watt. The average North Tonawanda homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,590 with the federal tax credit, or $12,284 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average North Tonawanda 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. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in North Tonawanda, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Tonawanda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,942 |
| 3 years | $-6,646 |
| 5 years | $-5,349 |
| 7 years | $-4,052 |
| 9 years | $-2,756 |
| 11 years | $-1,459 |
| 13 years | $-163 |
| 15 years | $1,134 |
| 17 years | $2,430 |
| 19 years | $3,727 |
| 21 years | $5,023 |
| 23 years | $6,320 |
| 25 years | $7,617 |
Top Solar Installers in North Tonawanda
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Tonawanda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Tonawanda
For many North Tonawanda homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on 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 several 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 solar panels 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in North Tonawanda, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect the cost. North Tonawanda's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in North Tonawanda have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to 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 the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Tonawanda, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Tonawanda?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in North Tonawanda?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in North Tonawanda?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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.