Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ghent, NY (2024 Update)
- Ghent Solar Installation Cost: $11,344
- 25-Year Savings: $6,914
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ghent
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Ghent.
The average cost of a solar system in Ghent is 4 per watt.Because a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Ghent, the average price of going solar will be about $11,344 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $14,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ghent find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ghent
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,431 |
| 3 years | $-8,604 |
| 5 years | $-6,777 |
| 7 years | $-4,950 |
| 9 years | $-3,124 |
| 11 years | $-1,297 |
| 13 years | $530 |
| 15 years | $2,357 |
| 17 years | $4,183 |
| 19 years | $6,010 |
| 21 years | $7,837 |
| 23 years | $9,664 |
| 25 years | $11,490 |
Top Solar Installers in Ghent
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Ghent, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Ghent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ghent
There are many criteria that can play into 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,650 per kilowatt in Ghent.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ghent, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Ghent, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $5,790 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $8,129 | 18.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,673 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $13,420 | 17.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $16,372 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $19,529 | 16.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $22,890 | 16.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $26,455 | 15.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Ghent, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ghent?
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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, 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 Ghent?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ghent. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.