Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kirkwood, NY (2024 Update)
- Kirkwood Solar Installation Cost: $11,857
- 25-Year Savings: $4,392
- Payback Period: 21.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kirkwood
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Kirkwood.
The average cost of a solar system in Kirkwood is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Kirkwood is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,857 for a solar installation, or $16,956 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Kirkwood homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Kirkwood can save around $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Kirkwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,031 |
| 3 years | $-9,380 |
| 5 years | $-7,728 |
| 7 years | $-6,076 |
| 9 years | $-4,424 |
| 11 years | $-2,772 |
| 13 years | $-1,120 |
| 15 years | $531 |
| 17 years | $2,183 |
| 19 years | $3,835 |
| 21 years | $5,487 |
| 23 years | $7,139 |
| 25 years | $8,791 |
Top Solar Installers in Kirkwood
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a licensed 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 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 Kirkwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kirkwood
There are many factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,650 per kilowatt in Kirkwood.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Kirkwood is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $2,125 | 22.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $3,242 | 21.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $4,563 | 21.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $6,089 | 20.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $7,819 | 20.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $9,754 | 19.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $11,893 | 19.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $14,236 | 19.1 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 brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand 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 options before deciding.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Kirkwood, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kirkwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Kirkwood 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kirkwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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.
Does Kirkwood have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Kirkwood?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.