Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westfield, NY (Mar 2023)
- Westfield Solar Installation Cost: $9,582
- 25-Year Savings: $5,758
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westfield
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Westfield.
In Westfield, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Westfield, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,582, or $13,702 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westfield find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,968 |
| 3 years | $-7,741 |
| 5 years | $-6,514 |
| 7 years | $-5,286 |
| 9 years | $-4,059 |
| 11 years | $-2,832 |
| 13 years | $-1,605 |
| 15 years | $-378 |
| 17 years | $849 |
| 19 years | $2,077 |
| 21 years | $3,304 |
| 23 years | $4,531 |
| 25 years | $5,758 |
Top Solar Installers in Westfield
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Westfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westfield
For many Westfield homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Westfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Westfield know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $6,960 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $9,611 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $12,427 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $15,408 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $18,554 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $21,865 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $25,342 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $28,983 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Westfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type 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 deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Westfield, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westfield?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Westfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Westfield?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Westfield?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.