Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cortland, NY (2024 Update)

  • Cortland Solar Installation Cost: $11,878
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,770
  • Payback Period: 19.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cortland

Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Cortland.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cortland it’s 4 per watt.Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Cortland, the average price of going solar will be about $11,878 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Cortland homeowner can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Cortland, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cortland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,052
3 years $-9,400
5 years $-7,748
7 years $-6,096
9 years $-4,444
11 years $-2,792
13 years $-1,141
15 years $511
17 years $2,163
19 years $3,815
21 years $5,467
23 years $7,119
25 years $8,770

Top Solar Installers in Cortland

Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Cortland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cortland

For many Cortland homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cortland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Cortland, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route 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 amount of 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Cortland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally 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 add-on 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 $3.80 $15,943 $4,066 19.9 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $5,831 19.5 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $7,799 19.2 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $9,973 18.8 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $12,350 18.4 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $14,932 18.0 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $17,718 17.6 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $20,709 17.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to 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: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Cortland, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cortland?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $666.99 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.

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