Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelby, NY (Mar 2023)
- Shelby Solar Installation Cost: $8,508
- 25-Year Savings: $7,699
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelby
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Shelby.
In Shelby, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.1-kW system would cost about $8,508 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Shelby depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Shelby see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Shelby, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shelby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,860 |
| 3 years | $-6,563 |
| 5 years | $-5,266 |
| 7 years | $-3,970 |
| 9 years | $-2,673 |
| 11 years | $-1,377 |
| 13 years | $-80 |
| 15 years | $1,216 |
| 17 years | $2,513 |
| 19 years | $3,810 |
| 21 years | $5,106 |
| 23 years | $6,403 |
| 25 years | $7,699 |
Top Solar Installers in Shelby
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another great thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you're searching for a solar company in Shelby, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Shelby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelby
While the average cost of a solar system in Shelby is $8,508, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, 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 searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Shelby homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Shelby's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $10,690 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $14,584 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $18,643 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $22,867 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $27,257 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $31,811 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $36,531 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $41,416 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences 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:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through 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: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Shelby, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shelby?
The average cost of solar panels in Shelby is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Shelby?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.