Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elbridge, NY (2024 Update)
- Elbridge Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
- 25-Year Savings: $6,403
- Payback Period: 18.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elbridge
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Elbridge.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Elbridge typically cost about 4.Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Elbridge, the average price of going solar will be about $11,835 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Elbridge homeowner can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elbridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,009 |
| 3 years | $-9,357 |
| 5 years | $-7,705 |
| 7 years | $-6,053 |
| 9 years | $-4,401 |
| 11 years | $-2,750 |
| 13 years | $-1,098 |
| 15 years | $554 |
| 17 years | $2,206 |
| 19 years | $3,858 |
| 21 years | $5,510 |
| 23 years | $7,161 |
| 25 years | $8,813 |
Top Solar Installers in Elbridge
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're searching for a solar company in Elbridge, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Elbridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elbridge
There are many factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Elbridge, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Elbridge, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Elbridge is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $4,741 | 19.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,730 | 18.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,923 | 18.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,321 | 18.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,923 | 17.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,730 | 17.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,741 | 17.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $22,956 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Elbridge, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elbridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Elbridge is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Elbridge?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Elbridge have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid 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.
How long do solar panels last in Elbridge?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.