Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rotterdam, NY (2023 Update)
- Rotterdam Solar Installation Cost: $9,189
- 25-Year Savings: $7,018
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rotterdam
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Rotterdam.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rotterdam, the average cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $9,189 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Rotterdam homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Rotterdam that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rotterdam
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,541 |
| 3 years | $-7,244 |
| 5 years | $-5,948 |
| 7 years | $-4,651 |
| 9 years | $-3,355 |
| 11 years | $-2,058 |
| 13 years | $-762 |
| 15 years | $535 |
| 17 years | $1,832 |
| 19 years | $3,128 |
| 21 years | $4,425 |
| 23 years | $5,721 |
| 25 years | $7,018 |
Top Solar Installers in Rotterdam
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Rotterdam
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rotterdam
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Rotterdam: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,950 per kilowatt in Rotterdam. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Rotterdam, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger 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 | $8,983 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $12,308 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $15,798 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $19,454 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $23,274 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $27,260 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $31,411 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $35,727 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Rotterdam, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rotterdam?
The average cost of solar panels in Rotterdam is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rotterdam?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Rotterdam?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.