Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watervliet, NY (2023 Update)
- Watervliet Solar Installation Cost: $9,189
- 25-Year Savings: $7,018
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watervliet
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Watervliet.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Watervliet generally cost around 2.95. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Watervliet, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,189, or $13,140 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. With average savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Watervliet find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Watervliet
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,541 |
| 3 years | $-7,244 |
| 5 years | $-5,948 |
| 7 years | $-4,651 |
| 9 years | $-3,355 |
| 11 years | $-2,058 |
| 13 years | $-762 |
| 15 years | $535 |
| 17 years | $1,832 |
| 19 years | $3,128 |
| 21 years | $4,425 |
| 23 years | $5,721 |
| 25 years | $7,018 |
Top Solar Installers in Watervliet
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Watervliet
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watervliet
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Watervliet: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Watervliet, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get 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 come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Watervliet, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Watervliet homeowners, they can also increase 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 solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better 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 | $8,949 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $12,262 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $15,740 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $19,384 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $23,193 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $27,167 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $31,306 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $35,610 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Watervliet, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Watervliet?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Watervliet?
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 higher level 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.