Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saranac, NY (2024 Update)
- Saranac Solar Installation Cost: $11,879
- 25-Year Savings: $5,433
- Payback Period: 19.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saranac
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Saranac.
The average cost of solar panels in Saranac is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Saranac, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,879, or $16,987 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Saranac homeowner. The price 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 savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Saranac
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,053 |
| 3 years | $-9,402 |
| 5 years | $-7,750 |
| 7 years | $-6,098 |
| 9 years | $-4,446 |
| 11 years | $-2,794 |
| 13 years | $-1,142 |
| 15 years | $509 |
| 17 years | $2,161 |
| 19 years | $3,813 |
| 21 years | $5,465 |
| 23 years | $7,117 |
| 25 years | $8,769 |
Top Solar Installers in Saranac
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Saranac, we've put together 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 Saranac
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saranac
There are a number of factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does 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 with higher efficiency or power production require 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 solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Saranac average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Saranac, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Saranac is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3,458 | 20.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,020 | 20.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $6,786 | 19.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $8,756 | 19.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $10,931 | 19.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $13,310 | 18.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $15,893 | 18.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $18,681 | 17.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose 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 several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Saranac, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Saranac?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Saranac?
Solar panels aren’t free in Saranac, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Saranac, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.