Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Seneca, NY (2023 Update)
- West Seneca Solar Installation Cost: $9,453
- 25-Year Savings: $6,352
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Seneca
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in West Seneca.
The average cost of solar panels in West Seneca is 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in West Seneca is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,458 for a solar installation, or $13,525 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average West Seneca homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels 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 for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Seneca
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,577 |
| 3 years | $-6,826 |
| 5 years | $-5,075 |
| 7 years | $-3,324 |
| 9 years | $-1,573 |
| 11 years | $178 |
| 13 years | $1,929 |
| 15 years | $3,680 |
| 17 years | $5,431 |
| 19 years | $7,182 |
| 21 years | $8,933 |
| 23 years | $10,684 |
| 25 years | $12,435 |
Top Solar Installers in West Seneca
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Seneca
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Seneca
Though the average cost of a solar system in West Seneca is $9,458, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,950 per kilowatt in West Seneca. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Seneca to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West Seneca homeowners, they can also add to 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more 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 | $7,830 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $10,771 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $13,876 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $17,147 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $20,583 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $24,184 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $27,951 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $31,882 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
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 Seneca, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Seneca?
The average cost of solar panels in West Seneca is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Seneca?
Solar panels aren't free in West Seneca, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Seneca?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 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.