Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westchester, FL (2024 Update)
- Westchester Solar Installation Cost: $12,014
- 25-Year Savings: $19,689
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westchester
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Westchester.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westchester, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Westchester homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,014 with the federal tax credit, or $17,180 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Westchester homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Westchester that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Westchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,641 |
| 3 years | $-7,894 |
| 5 years | $-5,146 |
| 7 years | $-2,399 |
| 9 years | $348 |
| 11 years | $3,095 |
| 13 years | $5,843 |
| 15 years | $8,590 |
| 17 years | $11,337 |
| 19 years | $14,084 |
| 21 years | $16,832 |
| 23 years | $19,579 |
| 25 years | $22,326 |
Top Solar Installers in Westchester
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Westchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westchester
For many Westchester homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Westchester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,210. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Westchester offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Westchester, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $18,699 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $25,291 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $32,063 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $39,015 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $46,147 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $53,459 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $60,950 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $68,621 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Westchester, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westchester?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Westchester?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Westchester. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Westchester is currently $575,653, so you can look forward to a value of about $23,602 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Westchester is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.