Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westmoreland, NY (2023 Update)
- Westmoreland Solar Installation Cost: $9,540
- 25-Year Savings: $6,491
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westmoreland
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Westmoreland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Westmoreland it's 2.95 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $9,540 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Westmoreland homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Westmoreland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westmoreland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,643 |
| 3 years | $-6,849 |
| 5 years | $-5,056 |
| 7 years | $-3,262 |
| 9 years | $-1,469 |
| 11 years | $325 |
| 13 years | $2,118 |
| 15 years | $3,912 |
| 17 years | $5,705 |
| 19 years | $7,499 |
| 21 years | $9,292 |
| 23 years | $11,086 |
| 25 years | $12,879 |
Top Solar Installers in Westmoreland
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy consumption, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Westmoreland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westmoreland
While the average cost of a solar system in Westmoreland is $9,540, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Westmoreland, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,950 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 Westmoreland, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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 Westmoreland to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Westmoreland is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $7,935 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $10,910 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,051 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $17,357 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $20,828 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $24,464 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $28,266 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $32,232 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Westmoreland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westmoreland?
The average cost of solar panels in Westmoreland 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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.