Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pelham, NY (2023 Update)

  • Pelham Solar Installation Cost: $8,652
  • 25-Year Savings: $24,687
  • Payback Period: 6.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Pelham

We go over average solar pricing in Pelham.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pelham, the average cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $8,652 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Pelham see about $30,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Pelham

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,319
3 years $-4,652
5 years $-1,984
7 years $683
9 years $3,350
11 years $6,017
13 years $8,684
15 years $11,351
17 years $14,019
19 years $16,686
21 years $19,353
23 years $22,020
25 years $24,687

Top Solar Installers in Pelham

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Pelham:

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 Pelham

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pelham

The cost of installing a solar system in Pelham can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Pelham. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Pelham homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Pelham homeowners, they can also increase 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 choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 $34,898 6.7 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $46,861 6.6 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $58,989 6.5 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $71,283 6.4 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $83,741 6.2 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $96,365 6.1 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $109,154 6.0 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $122,108 5.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from previous customers.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully 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 what services you can expect from them.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.

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 Pelham, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pelham?

The average cost of solar panels in Pelham is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pelham?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive 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 get the most savings.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,592.78 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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