Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westmere, NY (2024 Update)
- Westmere Solar Installation Cost: $11,379
- 25-Year Savings: $7,010
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westmere
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Westmere.
In Westmere, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,379 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Westmere based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Westmere can save around $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westmere
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,470 |
| 3 years | $-8,653 |
| 5 years | $-6,836 |
| 7 years | $-5,019 |
| 9 years | $-3,202 |
| 11 years | $-1,385 |
| 13 years | $432 |
| 15 years | $2,250 |
| 17 years | $4,067 |
| 19 years | $5,884 |
| 21 years | $7,701 |
| 23 years | $9,518 |
| 25 years | $11,335 |
Top Solar Installers in Westmere
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Westmere
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westmere
For many Westmere homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Westmere, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,650. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Westmere, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Westmere have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $5,891 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $8,263 | 17.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,840 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $13,621 | 17.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $16,607 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $19,797 | 16.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $23,192 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $26,790 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 considerable role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Westmere, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westmere?
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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Westmere?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Westmere, 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Westmere?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.