Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sand Lake, NY (2024 Update)
- Sand Lake Solar Installation Cost: $11,657
- 25-Year Savings: $6,082
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sand Lake
We break down average solar pricing in Sand Lake.
The average cost of solar panels in Sand Lake is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Sand Lake is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,657 for a solar installation, or $16,670 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sand Lake find going solar can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Sand Lake, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sand Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,831 |
| 3 years | $-9,179 |
| 5 years | $-7,527 |
| 7 years | $-5,875 |
| 9 years | $-4,223 |
| 11 years | $-2,572 |
| 13 years | $-920 |
| 15 years | $732 |
| 17 years | $2,384 |
| 19 years | $4,036 |
| 21 years | $5,688 |
| 23 years | $7,340 |
| 25 years | $8,991 |
Top Solar Installers in Sand Lake
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Sand Lake:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Sand Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sand Lake
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Sand Lake: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,650 per kilowatt in Sand Lake.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, 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 consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Sand Lake, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Sand Lake, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $4,446 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,337 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,432 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,731 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,235 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $15,943 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $18,856 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $21,973 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Sand Lake, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sand Lake?
The average cost of solar panels in Sand Lake 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 stuff like 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 Sand Lake?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $679.63 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.