Solar Panel Cost Guide in Van Buren, NY (2024 Update)

  • Van Buren Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,933
  • Payback Period: 19.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Van Buren

We break down average solar pricing in Van Buren.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Van Buren generally cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,835 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Van Buren homeowner. The cost 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.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Van Buren homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Van Buren for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Van Buren

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,009
3 years $-9,357
5 years $-7,705
7 years $-6,053
9 years $-4,401
11 years $-2,750
13 years $-1,098
15 years $554
17 years $2,206
19 years $3,858
21 years $5,510
23 years $7,161
25 years $8,813

Top Solar Installers in Van Buren

Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Van Buren, thereby optimizing your ROI.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Van Buren

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Van Buren

Although the average cost of a solar system in Van Buren is $11,835, your final 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 take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Van Buren homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Van Buren homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Van Buren, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Van Buren are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $4,132 19.9 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $5,919 19.5 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $7,909 19.1 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $10,104 18.7 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $12,504 18.3 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $15,107 17.9 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $17,916 17.6 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $20,928 17.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Van Buren, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 good reviews from previous customers.

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 Van Buren, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Van Buren?

The average cost of solar panels in Van Buren 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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