Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aurora, NY (2024 Update)
- Aurora Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
- 25-Year Savings: $5,582
- Payback Period: 19.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aurora
We break down average solar pricing in Aurora.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Aurora it’s 4 per watt.Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Aurora, the average price of going solar will be about $11,696 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Aurora for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Aurora
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,870 |
| 3 years | $-9,218 |
| 5 years | $-7,566 |
| 7 years | $-5,914 |
| 9 years | $-4,263 |
| 11 years | $-2,611 |
| 13 years | $-959 |
| 15 years | $693 |
| 17 years | $2,345 |
| 19 years | $3,997 |
| 21 years | $5,648 |
| 23 years | $7,300 |
| 25 years | $8,952 |
Top Solar Installers in Aurora
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Aurora
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aurora
There are many factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Aurora, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3,763 | 20.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,426 | 19.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,293 | 19.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $9,365 | 19.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $11,641 | 18.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $14,122 | 18.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $16,807 | 17.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $19,696 | 17.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Aurora, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Aurora?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely 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 Aurora?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Aurora?
Although 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 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.