Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hornell, NY (2024 Update)
- Hornell Solar Installation Cost: $11,783
- 25-Year Savings: $6,963
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hornell
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Hornell.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hornell, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Hornell is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,783 for a solar installation, or $16,850 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Hornell, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hornell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,957 |
| 3 years | $-9,305 |
| 5 years | $-7,653 |
| 7 years | $-6,001 |
| 9 years | $-4,349 |
| 11 years | $-2,698 |
| 13 years | $-1,046 |
| 15 years | $606 |
| 17 years | $2,258 |
| 19 years | $3,910 |
| 21 years | $5,562 |
| 23 years | $7,214 |
| 25 years | $8,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Hornell
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Another great thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Hornell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hornell
Although the average cost of a solar system in Hornell is $11,783, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Hornell, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Hornell have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When estimating 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 solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $5,506 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,750 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,198 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,851 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $15,708 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $18,770 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $22,036 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $25,506 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Hornell, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Hornell, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hornell?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hornell?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Hornell?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.