Solar Panel Cost Guide in Queensbury, NY (2024 Update)
- Queensbury Solar Installation Cost: $11,598
- 25-Year Savings: $6,833
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Queensbury
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Queensbury.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Queensbury typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Queensbury is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,598 for a solar installation, or $16,585 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Queensbury homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Queensbury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,689 |
| 3 years | $-8,872 |
| 5 years | $-7,055 |
| 7 years | $-5,238 |
| 9 years | $-3,421 |
| 11 years | $-1,604 |
| 13 years | $214 |
| 15 years | $2,031 |
| 17 years | $3,848 |
| 19 years | $5,665 |
| 21 years | $7,482 |
| 23 years | $9,299 |
| 25 years | $11,116 |
Top Solar Installers in Queensbury
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Queensbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Queensbury
For many Queensbury homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Queensbury, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Queensbury have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Queensbury homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Queensbury, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $5,479 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,714 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,154 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,798 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $15,646 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $18,699 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $21,956 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $25,417 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
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 Queensbury, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Queensbury?
The average cost of solar panels in Queensbury 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Queensbury?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $714.07 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.