Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salina, NY (2024 Update)
- Salina Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
- 25-Year Savings: $6,642
- Payback Period: 18.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salina
We go over average solar pricing in Salina.
In Salina, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Salina is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,835 for a solar installation, or $16,924 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Salina homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Salina that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Salina
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,926 |
| 3 years | $-9,109 |
| 5 years | $-7,292 |
| 7 years | $-5,475 |
| 9 years | $-3,658 |
| 11 years | $-1,840 |
| 13 years | $-23 |
| 15 years | $1,794 |
| 17 years | $3,611 |
| 19 years | $5,428 |
| 21 years | $7,245 |
| 23 years | $9,063 |
| 25 years | $10,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Salina
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Salina:
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 Salina
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salina
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Salina: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Salina, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce 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 opt for to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Salina’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, 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 | $5,050 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,143 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,439 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,940 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,646 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,555 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,670 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,988 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Salina, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salina?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely 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?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Salina is currently $205,756, which means you can look forward to a value of about $8,436 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Salina is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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.