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.
The average cost of solar panels in Shelby is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Shelby is around 4.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,538 for a solar installation, or $15,069 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Shelby find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a licensed solar company 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 Shelby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelby
Though the average cost of a solar system in Shelby is $10,538, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,650. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Shelby provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down 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 hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Shelby, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across 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 promotions 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 | $3.80 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Shelby, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shelby?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart 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 either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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?
Though 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 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 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.