Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ballston Spa, NY (2024 Update)

  • Ballston Spa Solar Installation Cost: $11,457
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,244
  • Payback Period: 18.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ballston Spa

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Ballston Spa.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ballston Spa typically cost about 4.The average Ballston Spa homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,457 with the federal tax credit, or $16,384 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Ballston Spa

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,631
3 years $-8,979
5 years $-7,327
7 years $-5,675
9 years $-4,023
11 years $-2,372
13 years $-720
15 years $932
17 years $2,584
19 years $4,236
21 years $5,888
23 years $7,540
25 years $9,191

Top Solar Installers in Ballston Spa

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Ballston Spa:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Ballston Spa

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ballston Spa

There are many criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ballston Spa, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Ballston Spa, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 $4,802 19.2 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $6,811 18.8 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $9,025 18.5 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $11,443 18.1 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $14,066 17.7 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $16,893 17.4 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $19,924 17.0 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $23,160 16.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies to choose from in Ballston Spa, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Ballston Spa, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ballston Spa?

This is a difficult 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ballston Spa?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Ballston Spa is currently $369,931, so you can expect a value of about $15,167 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Ballston Spa is a rewarding investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 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.

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