Solar Panel Cost Guide in Niskayuna, NY (2024 Update)
- Niskayuna Solar Installation Cost: $11,361
- 25-Year Savings: $7,025
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Niskayuna
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Niskayuna.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Niskayuna is 4 per watt.The average Niskayuna homeowner needs a 4.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,361 with the federal tax credit, or $16,246 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Niskayuna homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Niskayuna homeowner can save around $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Niskayuna for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Niskayuna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,452 |
| 3 years | $-8,635 |
| 5 years | $-6,818 |
| 7 years | $-5,001 |
| 9 years | $-3,184 |
| 11 years | $-1,367 |
| 13 years | $451 |
| 15 years | $2,268 |
| 17 years | $4,085 |
| 19 years | $5,902 |
| 21 years | $7,719 |
| 23 years | $9,536 |
| 25 years | $11,353 |
Top Solar Installers in Niskayuna
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Niskayuna, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Niskayuna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Niskayuna
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Niskayuna: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Niskayuna to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Niskayuna is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide 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 promotions 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 | $5,926 | 18.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $8,310 | 17.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,898 | 17.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $13,691 | 17.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $16,689 | 16.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $19,890 | 16.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $23,296 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $26,907 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Niskayuna, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- 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.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Niskayuna, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Niskayuna?
The average cost of solar panels in Niskayuna 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Niskayuna?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Niskayuna, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $728.97 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 cover 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.