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

  • Menands Solar Installation Cost: $11,379
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,307
  • Payback Period: 18.3 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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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Menands

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Menands.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Menands, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Menands, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,379, or $16,272 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Menands find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Menands, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Menands

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,553
3 years $-8,901
5 years $-7,249
7 years $-5,598
9 years $-3,946
11 years $-2,294
13 years $-642
15 years $1,010
17 years $2,662
19 years $4,313
21 years $5,965
23 years $7,617
25 years $9,269

Top Solar Installers in Menands

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Menands

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Menands

There are several criteria that can influence 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

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key 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.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Menands average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Menands to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Menands’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 $4,943 19.1 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $7,000 18.7 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $9,261 18.3 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $11,726 18.0 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $14,396 17.6 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $17,270 17.2 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $20,348 16.9 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $23,631 16.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.

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 Menands, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Menands?

The average cost of solar panels in Menands 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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