Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Glens Falls, NY (2024 Update)
- West Glens Falls Solar Installation Cost: $11,598
- 25-Year Savings: $6,833
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Glens Falls
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in West Glens Falls.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Glens Falls, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in West Glens Falls, the average price of going solar will be about $11,598 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Glens Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,689 |
| 3 years | $-8,872 |
| 5 years | $-7,055 |
| 7 years | $-5,238 |
| 9 years | $-3,421 |
| 11 years | $-1,604 |
| 13 years | $214 |
| 15 years | $2,031 |
| 17 years | $3,848 |
| 19 years | $5,665 |
| 21 years | $7,482 |
| 23 years | $9,299 |
| 25 years | $11,116 |
Top Solar Installers in West Glens Falls
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're looking for a solar company in West Glens Falls, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in West Glens Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Glens Falls
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in West Glens Falls: 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 cost of a solar panel system in West Glens Falls, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Glens Falls, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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 West Glens Falls to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in West Glens Falls, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $5,479 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,714 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,154 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,798 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $15,646 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $18,699 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $21,956 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $25,417 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in West Glens Falls, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's West Glens Falls, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Glens Falls?
The average cost of solar panels in West Glens Falls 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
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 don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.