Solar Panel Cost Guide in Watervliet, NY (2024 Update)
- Watervliet Solar Installation Cost: $11,379
- 25-Year Savings: $7,010
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Watervliet
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Watervliet.
In Watervliet, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Watervliet, the average price of going solar will be about $11,379 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Watervliet see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Watervliet, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Watervliet
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,470 |
| 3 years | $-8,653 |
| 5 years | $-6,836 |
| 7 years | $-5,019 |
| 9 years | $-3,202 |
| 11 years | $-1,385 |
| 13 years | $432 |
| 15 years | $2,250 |
| 17 years | $4,067 |
| 19 years | $5,884 |
| 21 years | $7,701 |
| 23 years | $9,518 |
| 25 years | $11,335 |
Top Solar Installers in Watervliet
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Watervliet
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Watervliet
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Watervliet: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Watervliet’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $5,891 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $8,263 | 17.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,840 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $13,621 | 17.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $16,607 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $19,797 | 16.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $23,192 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $26,790 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Watervliet, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Watervliet, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Watervliet?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Watervliet?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Watervliet, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Watervliet?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation 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.
How long do solar panels last in Watervliet?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.