Solar Panel Cost Guide in Porter, NY (2024 Update)

  • Porter Solar Installation Cost: $10,627
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,618
  • Payback Period: 16.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Porter

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Porter.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Porter typically cost around 4.Since a 4.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Porter, the average price of going solar will be about $10,627 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Porter

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 Porter

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Porter, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Porter

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Porter

There are many criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Porter, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Porter homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Porter’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 $3.80 $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

There are many companies available in Porter, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • 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.

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 Porter, NY Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Porter is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

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

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 don’t have access to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Porter is currently $279,189, which means you could be looking at a value of about $11,447 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Porter is a worthwhile investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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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