Solar is a big decision, as are most home improvement projects. And similarly to other home improvement projects, there is a direct correlation between price and quality. Regardless, the bottom line is:
You Get What You Pay For!
“You get what you pay for” is a great phrase for many purchases, including solar. More expensive solar panels are often priced higher due to the high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology used in manufacturing. Along with this high quality, comes better efficiency rates, meaning they can convert more sunlight into electricity compared to the cheaper options. Efficiency is one of the most important aspects of solar panels, allowing higher generation of electricity even when sunlight is more limited. High costs also often bring better durability, and longer warranties, ensuring you get the most out of your panels’ lifespan.
Does Free Solar Actually Exist?
In today’s solar market, you will see offers advertised as “free solar.” A $0-upfront offer is not the same as a free system. Ask who owns the equipment, what you will pay over the full agreement, and who handles service before you compare offers.
Programs for eligible households are a separate option. NYSERDA’s Statewide Solar for All provides bill credits from community solar to eligible customers. It does not mean a new rooftop system is installed on every participant’s home.
A solar lease or power purchase agreement may also have no upfront payment, but the equipment is owned by another company. Compare the full payment terms, any annual increases, service responsibilities and what happens when you sell your home. Ownership, financing and community solar are different decisions.
For homeowners choosing to own their system, start with your home’s actual numbers. The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit is not available for property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Eligible New York programs can still change the picture. See our current New York Solar & Battery Incentives guide, then compare the system cost, applicable Kasselman offer and incentives as separate line items.
What Truly Goes Into the Price of Solar?
Your proposal covers more than the panels on your roof. Compare the equipment, design, installation, electrical work, warranties and service included in each offer. A national cost trend cannot tell you what your particular home needs.
Solar energy, unlike nonrenewable sources like fossil fuels, doesn’t have a cost for raw materials as the sun is free. However, going solar requires certain technologies to turn the sun’s rays into usable electricity. This cost can vary based on a wide variety of factors, between different panel types, a variety of incentives and tax credits, cost of your current electric bill and many more, the price of solar can look very different for each individual.
Looking at the cost of solar, the cost can be quickly divided into two larger categories of expenses – hard costs (cost of the panels themselves, and all other hardware physically needed for the system) and soft costs (less direct costs included in the installation process, such as labor, permitting, inspection, utility fees, etc) (1).
Go Solar Easy!
Start with your electric bill, not another season of waiting. A useful solar proposal begins with your roof, electricity use and goals. Design, permits, financing and utility review all take time; starting the conversation now gives you time to understand the options and plan the work.
Ask us to compare solar on its own and solar plus battery storage. We’ll explain the design, available New York incentives, payment options and the difference between reducing utility purchases and backing up your home. Incentive eligibility, installation timing and savings depend on the project; your proposal should make those assumptions clear.
Most importantly, choose a team that stands behind the installation. Kasselman Solar builds on Kasselman Electric’s family legacy dating to 1948, with local installation and service experience. Get your solar estimate and see what ownership could mean for your home.
- https://www.consumeraffairs.com/solar-energy/why-are-solar-panels-so-expensive.html
- https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/solar/cost-of-solar-panels/#:~:text=The%20most%20energy%2Defficient%20and,%241%20and%20%241.50%20per%20watt.
- https://www.cnet.com/home/energy-and-utilities/solar-panel-cost/
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/solar/solar-panel-cost/#:~:text=The%20higher%20your%20household’s%20energy,system%20would%20double%20the%20cost.
