Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Seneca, NY (Mar 2023)
- West Seneca Solar Installation Cost: $9,458
- 25-Year Savings: $6,347
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Seneca
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in West Seneca.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Seneca, the typical cost of solar panels 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 cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Seneca see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in West Seneca for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in West Seneca
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,825 |
| 3 years | $-7,561 |
| 5 years | $-6,297 |
| 7 years | $-5,032 |
| 9 years | $-3,768 |
| 11 years | $-2,503 |
| 13 years | $-1,239 |
| 15 years | $25 |
| 17 years | $1,290 |
| 19 years | $2,554 |
| 21 years | $3,819 |
| 23 years | $5,083 |
| 25 years | $6,347 |
Top Solar Installers in West Seneca
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
There are several 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in West Seneca
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Seneca
The cost of installing a solar system in West Seneca can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in West Seneca offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in West Seneca, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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
There are numerous companies to choose from in West Seneca, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's West Seneca, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Seneca?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in West Seneca?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.