Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walden, NY (2024 Update)
- Walden Solar Installation Cost: $11,058
- 25-Year Savings: $12,363
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walden
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Walden.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Walden it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Walden, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,058, or $15,813 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Walden homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Walden for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Walden
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,794 |
| 3 years | $-7,268 |
| 5 years | $-4,742 |
| 7 years | $-2,215 |
| 9 years | $311 |
| 11 years | $2,838 |
| 13 years | $5,364 |
| 15 years | $7,890 |
| 17 years | $10,417 |
| 19 years | $12,943 |
| 21 years | $15,470 |
| 23 years | $17,996 |
| 25 years | $20,522 |
Top Solar Installers in Walden
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Walden, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Walden
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walden
For many Walden homeowners, the decision to install solar panels 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 several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Walden, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Walden to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Walden homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Walden is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $13,587 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $18,524 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $23,666 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $29,013 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $34,564 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $40,319 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $46,279 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $52,443 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 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 $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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Walden?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Walden have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Walden?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher 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.