Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walden, NY (2023 Update)
- Walden Solar Installation Cost: $8,941
- 25-Year Savings: $12,359
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walden
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Walden.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Walden generally cost around 2.95. The average Walden homeowner needs a 4.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,941 with the federal tax credit, or $12,786 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Walden that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Walden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,089 |
| 3 years | $-6,385 |
| 5 years | $-4,681 |
| 7 years | $-2,977 |
| 9 years | $-1,273 |
| 11 years | $431 |
| 13 years | $2,135 |
| 15 years | $3,839 |
| 17 years | $5,543 |
| 19 years | $7,247 |
| 21 years | $8,951 |
| 23 years | $10,655 |
| 25 years | $12,359 |
Top Solar Installers in Walden
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Walden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walden
For many Walden homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends 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 several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,950 per kilowatt in Walden. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Walden, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Walden to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Walden is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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
The solar company you go with will influence 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 several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Walden, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Walden?
A solar panel system isn't free in Walden, 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.