Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Seneca, NY (2024 Update)
- West Seneca Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
- 25-Year Savings: $6,352
- Payback Period: 18.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Seneca
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Seneca.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Seneca it’s 4 per watt.Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in West Seneca, the average price of going solar will be about $11,696 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average West Seneca homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in West Seneca that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Seneca
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,820 |
| 3 years | $-9,069 |
| 5 years | $-7,318 |
| 7 years | $-5,567 |
| 9 years | $-3,816 |
| 11 years | $-2,065 |
| 13 years | $-314 |
| 15 years | $1,437 |
| 17 years | $3,188 |
| 19 years | $4,939 |
| 21 years | $6,690 |
| 23 years | $8,441 |
| 25 years | $10,192 |
Top Solar Installers in West Seneca
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 West Seneca
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Seneca
For many West Seneca homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Seneca, 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
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,650. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in West Seneca have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s a good idea to factor 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout West Seneca, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $4,773 | 19.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,772 | 18.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,976 | 18.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,385 | 18.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,997 | 17.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,815 | 17.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,836 | 17.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,062 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in West Seneca, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 West Seneca, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Seneca?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Seneca?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly 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 a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.