Solar Panel Cost Guide in Niagara, NY (2024 Update)
- Niagara Solar Installation Cost: $10,627
- 25-Year Savings: $7,618
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Niagara
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Niagara.
In Niagara, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $10,627 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Niagara can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Niagara that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Niagara
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,719 |
| 3 years | $-7,902 |
| 5 years | $-6,085 |
| 7 years | $-4,267 |
| 9 years | $-2,450 |
| 11 years | $-633 |
| 13 years | $1,184 |
| 15 years | $3,001 |
| 17 years | $4,818 |
| 19 years | $6,635 |
| 21 years | $8,453 |
| 23 years | $10,270 |
| 25 years | $12,087 |
Top Solar Installers in Niagara
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Niagara
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Niagara
For many Niagara homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Niagara, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,650 per kilowatt in Niagara.The brand and kind of equipment you want 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 come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Niagara offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Niagara, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $7,435 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $10,322 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $13,414 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $16,710 | 16.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $20,210 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $23,915 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $27,824 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $31,938 | 14.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Niagara, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Niagara?
The average cost of solar panels in Niagara 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Niagara?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Niagara, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go 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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.