Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westvale, NY (2024 Update)
- Westvale Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
- 25-Year Savings: $3,994
- Payback Period: 21.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westvale
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Westvale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westvale, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Westvale, the average price of going solar will be about $11,835 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westvale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,926 |
| 3 years | $-9,109 |
| 5 years | $-7,292 |
| 7 years | $-5,475 |
| 9 years | $-3,658 |
| 11 years | $-1,840 |
| 13 years | $-23 |
| 15 years | $1,794 |
| 17 years | $3,611 |
| 19 years | $5,428 |
| 21 years | $7,245 |
| 23 years | $9,063 |
| 25 years | $10,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Westvale
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Westvale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westvale
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Westvale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Westvale have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.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’re only able to 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 remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. Westvale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $1,621 | 22.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $2,570 | 22.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $3,723 | 21.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $5,081 | 21.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $6,643 | 20.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $8,410 | 20.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $10,381 | 20.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $12,556 | 19.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Westvale, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westvale?
The average cost of solar panels in Westvale is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Westvale?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Westvale, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 amount of 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.