Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walden, NY (2023 Update)

  • Walden Solar Installation Cost: $8,937
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,363
  • Payback Period: 10.5 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 Walden

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Walden.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Walden generally cost around 2.95. Since a 4.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Walden, the average price of going solar will be about $8,941 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Walden homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

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

Solar savings over time in Walden

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,674
3 years $-5,147
5 years $-2,621
7 years $-95
9 years $2,432
11 years $4,958
13 years $7,485
15 years $10,011
17 years $12,537
19 years $15,064
21 years $17,590
23 years $20,117
25 years $22,643

Top Solar Installers in Walden

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Walden, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Walden

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walden

For many Walden homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Walden, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use 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 $2,950. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Walden to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Walden homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Walden, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 $3.07 $12,886 $16,644 10.9 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $22,523 10.7 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $28,566 10.5 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $34,775 10.3 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $41,149 10.1 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $47,689 9.9 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $54,393 9.7 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $61,263 9.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

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 Walden, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Walden?

The average cost of solar panels in Walden 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Walden?

A solar panel system isn't free in Walden, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

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

To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically 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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