Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Drum, NY (2024 Update)

  • Fort Drum Solar Installation Cost: $11,775
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,690
  • Payback Period: 18.2 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 Fort Drum

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fort Drum.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Drum, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fort Drum, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,775, or $16,838 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Fort Drum for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Fort Drum

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,866
3 years $-9,049
5 years $-7,232
7 years $-5,415
9 years $-3,598
11 years $-1,780
13 years $37
15 years $1,854
17 years $3,671
19 years $5,488
21 years $7,305
23 years $9,122
25 years $10,940

Top Solar Installers in Fort Drum

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Fort Drum

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Drum

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Fort Drum: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,650 per kilowatt in Fort Drum.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fort Drum homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 $5,157 18.9 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $7,285 18.5 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $9,617 18.2 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $12,154 17.8 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $14,895 17.4 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $17,841 17.1 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $20,990 16.7 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $24,345 16.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.

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 Fort Drum, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Drum?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Fort Drum?

Solar panels aren’t free in Fort Drum, 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 Fort Drum?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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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