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

  • Salisbury Solar Installation Cost: $7,947
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,424
  • Payback Period: 8.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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 Salisbury

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Salisbury.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Salisbury it's 2.95 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.9-kW system would cost about $7,950 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Salisbury homeowners. 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. With typical savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Salisbury find going solar can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Salisbury that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Salisbury

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-6,422
3 years $-3,371
5 years $-320
7 years $2,731
9 years $5,781
11 years $8,832
13 years $11,883
15 years $14,933
17 years $17,984
19 years $21,035
21 years $24,085
23 years $27,136
25 years $30,187

Top Solar Installers in Salisbury

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Salisbury

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salisbury

Though the average cost of a solar system in Salisbury is $7,950, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Salisbury, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type 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 are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Salisbury, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $21,993 9.2 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $29,654 9.1 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $37,480 8.9 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $45,472 8.7 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $53,629 8.5 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $61,951 8.3 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $70,438 8.2 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $79,091 8.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in 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.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 Salisbury, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salisbury?

This is a hard 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Salisbury?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,162.61 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Salisbury?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.

Follow us