Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orchard Park, NY (2023 Update)
- Orchard Park Solar Installation Cost: $9,458
- 25-Year Savings: $5,968
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orchard Park
We break down average solar pricing in Orchard Park.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Orchard Park, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Orchard Park is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,458 for a solar installation, or $13,525 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Orchard Park find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Orchard Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,841 |
| 3 years | $-7,607 |
| 5 years | $-6,373 |
| 7 years | $-5,139 |
| 9 years | $-3,905 |
| 11 years | $-2,671 |
| 13 years | $-1,437 |
| 15 years | $-203 |
| 17 years | $1,031 |
| 19 years | $2,265 |
| 21 years | $3,500 |
| 23 years | $4,734 |
| 25 years | $5,968 |
Top Solar Installers in Orchard Park
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are several 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 Orchard Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orchard Park
The cost of installing a solar system in Orchard Park can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Orchard Park, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Orchard Park to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Orchard Park is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $7,332 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $10,107 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $13,047 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $16,152 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $19,422 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $22,857 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $26,458 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $30,224 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Orchard Park, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
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 Orchard Park, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Orchard Park?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Orchard Park?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Orchard Park?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher amount 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.