Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saratoga Springs, NY (2024 Update)
- Saratoga Springs Solar Installation Cost: $11,457
- 25-Year Savings: $6,385
- Payback Period: 18.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saratoga Springs
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Saratoga Springs.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Saratoga Springs typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Saratoga Springs is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,457 for a solar installation, or $16,384 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Saratoga Springs find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Saratoga Springs, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Saratoga Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,603 |
| 3 years | $-8,896 |
| 5 years | $-7,189 |
| 7 years | $-5,482 |
| 9 years | $-3,775 |
| 11 years | $-2,068 |
| 13 years | $-362 |
| 15 years | $1,345 |
| 17 years | $3,052 |
| 19 years | $4,759 |
| 21 years | $6,466 |
| 23 years | $8,173 |
| 25 years | $9,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Saratoga Springs
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Saratoga Springs, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Saratoga Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saratoga Springs
Though the average cost of a solar system in Saratoga Springs is $11,457, 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 take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,650 per kilowatt in Saratoga Springs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Saratoga Springs provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Saratoga Springs homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Saratoga Springs’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $4,990 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,062 | 18.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,339 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,820 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,505 | 17.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,395 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,489 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,787 | 16.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully 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 if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Saratoga Springs, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Saratoga Springs?
This is a hard 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Saratoga Springs?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.