Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Edward, NY (2024 Update)
- Fort Edward Solar Installation Cost: $11,763
- 25-Year Savings: $6,348
- Payback Period: 18.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Edward
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Fort Edward.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Edward, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Fort Edward, the average price of going solar will be about $11,763 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 true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Fort Edward homeowner can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fort Edward
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,896 |
| 3 years | $-9,161 |
| 5 years | $-7,427 |
| 7 years | $-5,692 |
| 9 years | $-3,958 |
| 11 years | $-2,223 |
| 13 years | $-489 |
| 15 years | $1,246 |
| 17 years | $2,980 |
| 19 years | $4,715 |
| 21 years | $6,449 |
| 23 years | $8,184 |
| 25 years | $9,918 |
Top Solar Installers in Fort Edward
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fort Edward
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Edward
There are several criteria that can affect your solar panel 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,650 per kilowatt in Fort Edward.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fort Edward average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fort Edward homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Fort Edward, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $4,720 | 19.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,702 | 18.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,888 | 18.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,279 | 18.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,875 | 17.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,674 | 17.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,678 | 17.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $22,887 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Fort Edward, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- 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 be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Fort Edward, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Edward?
The average cost of solar panels in Fort Edward is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Edward?
Solar panels aren’t free in Fort Edward, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fort Edward is currently $245,067, which means you can look forward to a value of about $10,048 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fort Edward is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Fort Edward?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.