Solar Panel Cost Guide in Homer, NY (2024 Update)
- Homer Solar Installation Cost: $11,878
- 25-Year Savings: $6,004
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Homer
We break down average solar pricing in Homer.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Homer it’s 4 per watt.Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Homer, the average price of going solar will be about $11,878 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Homer depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Homer for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Homer
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,019 |
| 3 years | $-9,301 |
| 5 years | $-7,583 |
| 7 years | $-5,865 |
| 9 years | $-4,147 |
| 11 years | $-2,429 |
| 13 years | $-711 |
| 15 years | $1,007 |
| 17 years | $2,725 |
| 19 years | $4,443 |
| 21 years | $6,161 |
| 23 years | $7,879 |
| 25 years | $9,597 |
Top Solar Installers in Homer
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Homer, optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Homer:
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 Homer
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Homer
The cost of installing a solar system in Homer 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,650 per kilowatt in Homer.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Homer, where sunlight isn’t as 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
Most solar companies in Homer provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
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 installation companies in Homer, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $4,196 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,004 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,016 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,232 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $12,653 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $15,278 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $18,107 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $21,141 | 17.1 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy 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 how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Homer, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Homer?
The average cost of solar panels in Homer 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Homer?
Solar panels aren’t free in Homer, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Homer have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.