Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westmere, NY (2024 Update)
- Westmere 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 Westmere
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Westmere.
The average cost of a solar system in Westmere is 4 per watt.Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Westmere, 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 solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Westmere homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Westmere
| 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 Westmere
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Westmere, 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 Westmere
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westmere
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Westmere: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover 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 important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,650. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Westmere, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Westmere to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Westmere, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Westmere, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westmere?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Westmere?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Westmere, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.