Solar Panel Cost Guide in University Gardens, NY (2023 Update)

  • University Gardens Solar Installation Cost: $7,947
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,424
  • Payback Period: 8.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 University Gardens

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in University Gardens.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in University Gardens it's 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in University Gardens is around 3.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,950 for a solar installation, or $11,368 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in University Gardens see about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in University Gardens

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-6,422
3 years $-3,371
5 years $-320
7 years $2,731
9 years $5,781
11 years $8,832
13 years $11,883
15 years $14,933
17 years $17,984
19 years $21,035
21 years $24,085
23 years $27,136
25 years $30,187

Top Solar Installers in University Gardens

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in University Gardens, therefore optimizing your ROI.

If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

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 University Gardens

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in University Gardens

Though the average cost of a solar system in University Gardens is $7,950, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few 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

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,950. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the University Gardens average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in University Gardens provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $21,993 9.2 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $29,654 9.1 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $37,480 8.9 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $45,472 8.7 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $53,629 8.5 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $61,951 8.3 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $70,438 8.2 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $79,091 8.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
  • 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.

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 University Gardens, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in University Gardens?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in University Gardens?

Solar panels aren't free in University Gardens, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in University Gardens is currently $748,320, which means you can look forward to a value of about $30,681 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in University Gardens is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in University Gardens?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.

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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