Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stanford, NY (2024 Update)
- Stanford Solar Installation Cost: $11,117
- 25-Year Savings: $10,315
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stanford
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Stanford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Stanford, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $11,117 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Stanford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stanford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,854 |
| 3 years | $-7,328 |
| 5 years | $-4,801 |
| 7 years | $-2,275 |
| 9 years | $251 |
| 11 years | $2,778 |
| 13 years | $5,304 |
| 15 years | $7,831 |
| 17 years | $10,357 |
| 19 years | $12,883 |
| 21 years | $15,410 |
| 23 years | $17,936 |
| 25 years | $20,463 |
Top Solar Installers in Stanford
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Stanford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stanford
For many Stanford homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Stanford, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,650. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Stanford, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Stanford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $10,670 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $14,636 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $18,806 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $23,180 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $27,759 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $32,542 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $37,530 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $42,722 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive 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 Stanford, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stanford?
The average cost of solar panels in Stanford 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Stanford?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Stanford, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 cover 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.