Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kirkwood, NY (2024 Update)

  • Kirkwood Solar Installation Cost: $11,857
  • 25-Year Savings: $4,392
  • Payback Period: 21.2 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 Kirkwood

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Kirkwood.

In Kirkwood, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Kirkwood is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,857 for a solar installation, or $16,956 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $11,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Kirkwood

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,031
3 years $-9,380
5 years $-7,728
7 years $-6,076
9 years $-4,424
11 years $-2,772
13 years $-1,120
15 years $531
17 years $2,183
19 years $3,835
21 years $5,487
23 years $7,139
25 years $8,791

Top Solar Installers in Kirkwood

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.

Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Kirkwood

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kirkwood

The cost of installing a solar system in Kirkwood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,650 per kilowatt in Kirkwood.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Kirkwood, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Kirkwood homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Kirkwood, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $2,125 22.1 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $3,242 21.6 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $4,563 21.2 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $6,089 20.8 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $7,819 20.4 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $9,754 19.9 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $11,893 19.5 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $14,236 19.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.

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 Kirkwood, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kirkwood?

The average cost of solar panels in Kirkwood is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kirkwood?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Does Kirkwood have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.

How long do solar panels last in Kirkwood?

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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.

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