Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Glens Falls, NY (2023 Update)

  • South Glens Falls Solar Installation Cost: $9,251
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,956
  • Payback Period: 14.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Glens Falls

Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in South Glens Falls.

In South Glens Falls, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in South Glens Falls is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,251 for a solar installation, or $13,229 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of South Glens Falls homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Glens Falls find going solar can be quite rewarding.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in South Glens Falls

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,603
3 years $-7,306
5 years $-6,010
7 years $-4,713
9 years $-3,417
11 years $-2,120
13 years $-824
15 years $473
17 years $1,770
19 years $3,066
21 years $4,363
23 years $5,659
25 years $6,956

Top Solar Installers in South Glens Falls

Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

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 near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 South Glens Falls

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Glens Falls

Though the average cost of a solar system in South Glens Falls is $9,251, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in South Glens Falls, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the South Glens Falls average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in South Glens Falls provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact the cost. South Glens Falls' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $8,801 14.9 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $12,065 14.6 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $15,494 14.3 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $19,088 14.0 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $22,848 13.7 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $26,772 13.4 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $30,862 13.1 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $35,118 12.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's South Glens Falls, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Glens Falls?

The average cost of solar panels in South Glens Falls 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in South Glens Falls?

You can't get solar panels for free in South Glens Falls. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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