Solar Panel Cost Guide in New Hartford, NY (2024 Update)
- New Hartford Solar Installation Cost: $11,803
- 25-Year Savings: $6,411
- Payback Period: 18.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in New Hartford
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in New Hartford.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in New Hartford typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in New Hartford is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,803 for a solar installation, or $16,878 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in New Hartford that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in New Hartford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,911 |
| 3 years | $-9,127 |
| 5 years | $-7,343 |
| 7 years | $-5,559 |
| 9 years | $-3,775 |
| 11 years | $-1,991 |
| 13 years | $-207 |
| 15 years | $1,577 |
| 17 years | $3,361 |
| 19 years | $5,145 |
| 21 years | $6,929 |
| 23 years | $8,714 |
| 25 years | $10,498 |
Top Solar Installers in New Hartford
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 New Hartford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in New Hartford
There are a number of factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in New Hartford, 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 determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many New Hartford homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. New Hartford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $4,774 | 19.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,774 | 18.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,978 | 18.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,387 | 18.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,000 | 17.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,818 | 17.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,840 | 17.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,066 | 16.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 New Hartford, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in New Hartford?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in New Hartford?
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 can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in New Hartford is currently $185,035, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,586 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in New Hartford is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.