Solar Panel Cost Guide in Corning, NY (2024 Update)
- Corning Solar Installation Cost: $11,783
- 25-Year Savings: $6,963
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Corning
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Corning.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Corning, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Corning, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,783, or $16,850 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Corning homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Corning
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-10,957 |
3 years | $-9,305 |
5 years | $-7,653 |
7 years | $-6,001 |
9 years | $-4,349 |
11 years | $-2,698 |
13 years | $-1,046 |
15 years | $606 |
17 years | $2,258 |
19 years | $3,910 |
21 years | $5,562 |
23 years | $7,214 |
25 years | $8,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Corning
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Corning
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Corning
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Corning: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, 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
Most solar companies in Corning offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Corning, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Corning are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $5,506 | 18.6 years |
8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,750 | 18.2 years |
10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,198 | 17.9 years |
12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,851 | 17.5 years |
14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $15,708 | 17.2 years |
16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $18,770 | 16.8 years |
18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $22,036 | 16.4 years |
20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $25,506 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Corning, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Corning?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Corning?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Corning?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.