Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clifton Park, NY (2024 Update)
- Clifton Park Solar Installation Cost: $11,457
- 25-Year Savings: $6,244
- Payback Period: 18.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clifton Park
We go over average solar pricing in Clifton Park.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Clifton Park generally cost around 4.The average Clifton Park homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,457 with the federal tax credit, or $16,384 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Clifton Park depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Clifton Park can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clifton Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,589 |
| 3 years | $-8,855 |
| 5 years | $-7,120 |
| 7 years | $-5,386 |
| 9 years | $-3,651 |
| 11 years | $-1,917 |
| 13 years | $-182 |
| 15 years | $1,552 |
| 17 years | $3,287 |
| 19 years | $5,021 |
| 21 years | $6,756 |
| 23 years | $8,490 |
| 25 years | $10,225 |
Top Solar Installers in Clifton Park
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Clifton Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clifton Park
Although the average cost of a solar system in Clifton Park is $11,457, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require 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.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clifton Park to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower 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 impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $4,802 | 19.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,811 | 18.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,025 | 18.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,443 | 18.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,066 | 17.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,893 | 17.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,924 | 17.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,160 | 16.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Clifton Park, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clifton Park?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Clifton Park?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often 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 maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Clifton Park is currently $306,701, so you can expect a value of about $12,575 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clifton Park is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.