Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westmoreland, NY (2024 Update)
- Westmoreland Solar Installation Cost: $11,803
- 25-Year Savings: $6,491
- Payback Period: 18.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westmoreland
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Westmoreland.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Westmoreland typically cost around 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Westmoreland, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,803, or $16,878 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Westmoreland depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Westmoreland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westmoreland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,907 |
| 3 years | $-9,113 |
| 5 years | $-7,320 |
| 7 years | $-5,526 |
| 9 years | $-3,733 |
| 11 years | $-1,939 |
| 13 years | $-145 |
| 15 years | $1,648 |
| 17 years | $3,442 |
| 19 years | $5,235 |
| 21 years | $7,029 |
| 23 years | $8,822 |
| 25 years | $10,616 |
Top Solar Installers in Westmoreland
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Another great thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Westmoreland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westmoreland
The cost of installing a solar system in Westmoreland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, 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. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Westmoreland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $4,877 | 19.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,912 | 18.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,151 | 18.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,595 | 18.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,242 | 17.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,095 | 17.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,151 | 16.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,412 | 16.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Westmoreland, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- 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 model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Westmoreland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westmoreland?
The average cost of solar panels in Westmoreland 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Westmoreland?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.