Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Glens Falls, NY (2023 Update)
- West Glens Falls Solar Installation Cost: $9,374
- 25-Year Savings: $6,833
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Glens Falls
We go over average solar pricing in West Glens Falls.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Glens Falls, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.95 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in West Glens Falls, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,375, or $13,406 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 installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in West Glens Falls, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Glens Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,465 |
| 3 years | $-6,648 |
| 5 years | $-4,831 |
| 7 years | $-3,014 |
| 9 years | $-1,196 |
| 11 years | $621 |
| 13 years | $2,438 |
| 15 years | $4,255 |
| 17 years | $6,072 |
| 19 years | $7,889 |
| 21 years | $9,706 |
| 23 years | $11,524 |
| 25 years | $13,341 |
Top Solar Installers in West Glens Falls
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 West Glens Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Glens Falls
While the average cost of a solar system in West Glens Falls is $9,375, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,950 per kilowatt in West Glens Falls. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the West Glens Falls average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West Glens Falls homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. West Glens Falls' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in West Glens Falls have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $8,537 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,712 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $15,054 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $18,560 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $22,231 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $26,068 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $30,070 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $34,237 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
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 West Glens Falls, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Glens Falls?
This is a difficult 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Glens Falls?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $714.07 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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.