Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saratoga, NY (2024 Update)
- Saratoga Solar Installation Cost: $11,457
- 25-Year Savings: $6,345
- Payback Period: 18.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saratoga
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Saratoga.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Saratoga it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,457 before the 0 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 actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Saratoga homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Saratoga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,610 |
| 3 years | $-8,917 |
| 5 years | $-7,224 |
| 7 years | $-5,531 |
| 9 years | $-3,837 |
| 11 years | $-2,144 |
| 13 years | $-451 |
| 15 years | $1,242 |
| 17 years | $2,935 |
| 19 years | $4,628 |
| 21 years | $6,322 |
| 23 years | $8,015 |
| 25 years | $9,708 |
Top Solar Installers in Saratoga
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Saratoga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saratoga
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Saratoga: 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 important 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,650 per kilowatt in Saratoga.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Saratoga average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Saratoga, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Saratoga’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $4,936 | 19.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,990 | 18.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,249 | 18.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,712 | 18.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,379 | 17.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,251 | 17.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,327 | 16.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,608 | 16.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 past customers.
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 Saratoga, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Saratoga?
The average cost of solar panels in Saratoga 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 use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Saratoga?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Saratoga have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Saratoga?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.