Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rensselaer, NY (2024 Update)
- Rensselaer Solar Installation Cost: $11,657
- 25-Year Savings: $6,082
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rensselaer
We go over average solar pricing in Rensselaer.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rensselaer generally cost around 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Rensselaer, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,657, or $16,670 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Rensselaer can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Rensselaer, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rensselaer
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,831 |
| 3 years | $-9,179 |
| 5 years | $-7,527 |
| 7 years | $-5,875 |
| 9 years | $-4,223 |
| 11 years | $-2,572 |
| 13 years | $-920 |
| 15 years | $732 |
| 17 years | $2,384 |
| 19 years | $4,036 |
| 21 years | $5,688 |
| 23 years | $7,340 |
| 25 years | $8,991 |
Top Solar Installers in Rensselaer
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Rensselaer, we've put together 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 Rensselaer
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rensselaer
While the average cost of a solar system in Rensselaer is $11,657, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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, your total will most likely increase by about $3,650. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Rensselaer provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Rensselaer’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 larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $4,446 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,337 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,432 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,731 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,235 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $15,943 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $18,856 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $21,973 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Rensselaer, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Rensselaer, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rensselaer?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $679.63 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 how much 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 install 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.