Solar Panel Cost Guide in Firthcliffe, NY (2024 Update)
- Firthcliffe Solar Installation Cost: $11,058
- 25-Year Savings: $15,103
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Firthcliffe
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Firthcliffe.
The average cost of solar panels in Firthcliffe is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Firthcliffe, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,058, or $15,813 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Firthcliffe based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Firthcliffe see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Firthcliffe for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Firthcliffe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,794 |
| 3 years | $-7,268 |
| 5 years | $-4,742 |
| 7 years | $-2,215 |
| 9 years | $311 |
| 11 years | $2,838 |
| 13 years | $5,364 |
| 15 years | $7,890 |
| 17 years | $10,417 |
| 19 years | $12,943 |
| 21 years | $15,470 |
| 23 years | $17,996 |
| 25 years | $20,522 |
Top Solar Installers in Firthcliffe
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another good thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Firthcliffe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Firthcliffe
The cost of installing a solar system in Firthcliffe can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Firthcliffe, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Firthcliffe, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Firthcliffe, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Firthcliffe, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,385 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $23,589 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $29,998 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $36,610 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $43,428 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $50,449 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $57,675 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $65,105 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Firthcliffe, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- 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 panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Firthcliffe, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Firthcliffe?
The average cost of solar panels in Firthcliffe 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Firthcliffe?
Solar panels aren’t free in Firthcliffe, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Firthcliffe?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
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 requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.