Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelby, NY (2024 Update)
- Shelby Solar Installation Cost: $10,538
- 25-Year Savings: $7,690
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelby
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Shelby.
In Shelby, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Shelby, most homeowners require a 4.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,538, or $15,069 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Shelby homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Shelby find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Shelby that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Shelby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,630 |
| 3 years | $-7,813 |
| 5 years | $-5,996 |
| 7 years | $-4,178 |
| 9 years | $-2,361 |
| 11 years | $-544 |
| 13 years | $1,273 |
| 15 years | $3,090 |
| 17 years | $4,907 |
| 19 years | $6,725 |
| 21 years | $8,542 |
| 23 years | $10,359 |
| 25 years | $12,176 |
Top Solar Installers in Shelby
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Shelby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelby
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a part in determining 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 bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $7,633 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $10,586 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $13,743 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $17,105 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $20,671 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $24,442 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $28,417 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $32,596 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power 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 secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Shelby, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shelby?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Shelby?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 decide to replace them once you've had 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.