Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montgomery, NY (2024 Update)
- Montgomery Solar Installation Cost: $11,058
- 25-Year Savings: $13,323
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montgomery
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Montgomery.
In Montgomery, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.3-kW system would cost about $11,058 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Montgomery homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high initial cost, the average Montgomery homeowner can save around $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Montgomery for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Montgomery
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,794 |
| 3 years | $-7,268 |
| 5 years | $-4,742 |
| 7 years | $-2,215 |
| 9 years | $311 |
| 11 years | $2,838 |
| 13 years | $5,364 |
| 15 years | $7,890 |
| 17 years | $10,417 |
| 19 years | $12,943 |
| 21 years | $15,470 |
| 23 years | $17,996 |
| 25 years | $20,522 |
Top Solar Installers in Montgomery
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Montgomery, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Montgomery
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montgomery
For many Montgomery homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Montgomery, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Montgomery, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Montgomery to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Montgomery, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 fit into 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 | $14,918 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $20,299 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $25,885 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $31,675 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $37,669 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $43,868 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $50,272 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $56,879 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of 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:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Montgomery, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Montgomery?
This is a tough 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.