Solar Panel Cost Guide in Guilderland, NY (2024 Update)
- Guilderland Solar Installation Cost: $11,379
- 25-Year Savings: $7,537
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Guilderland
We break down average solar pricing in Guilderland.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Guilderland, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,379 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Guilderland see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Guilderland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,435 |
| 3 years | $-8,547 |
| 5 years | $-6,659 |
| 7 years | $-4,771 |
| 9 years | $-2,883 |
| 11 years | $-995 |
| 13 years | $893 |
| 15 years | $2,781 |
| 17 years | $4,670 |
| 19 years | $6,558 |
| 21 years | $8,446 |
| 23 years | $10,334 |
| 25 years | $12,222 |
Top Solar Installers in Guilderland
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Another benefit of working with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels 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 Guilderland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Guilderland
There are several factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,650. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Guilderland average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Guilderland, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases 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 putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Guilderland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $6,600 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $9,209 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $12,023 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $15,041 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $18,263 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $21,689 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $25,320 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $29,156 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Guilderland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- 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 installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Guilderland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Guilderland?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Guilderland?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.