Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tonawanda, NY (2024 Update)
- Tonawanda Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
- 25-Year Savings: $6,754
- Payback Period: 18.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tonawanda
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Tonawanda.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tonawanda typically cost around 4.Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Tonawanda, the average price of going solar will be about $11,696 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Tonawanda can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Tonawanda, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tonawanda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,787 |
| 3 years | $-8,970 |
| 5 years | $-7,153 |
| 7 years | $-5,336 |
| 9 years | $-3,519 |
| 11 years | $-1,702 |
| 13 years | $116 |
| 15 years | $1,933 |
| 17 years | $3,750 |
| 19 years | $5,567 |
| 21 years | $7,384 |
| 23 years | $9,201 |
| 25 years | $11,018 |
Top Solar Installers in Tonawanda
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Tonawanda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tonawanda
While the average cost of a solar system in Tonawanda is $11,696, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. 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 take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Tonawanda, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Tonawanda, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $5,299 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,475 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,854 | 18.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,438 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $15,227 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $18,220 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $21,417 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $24,819 | 16.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 Tonawanda, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tonawanda?
The average cost of solar panels in Tonawanda is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 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 use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Tonawanda?
Solar panels aren’t free in Tonawanda, 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.
Does Tonawanda have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.