Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oneonta, NY (2024 Update)
- Oneonta Solar Installation Cost: $11,722
- 25-Year Savings: $6,029
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Oneonta
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Oneonta.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Oneonta generally cost about 4.Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Oneonta, the average price of going solar will be about $11,722 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Oneonta depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Oneonta homeowner can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Oneonta, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Oneonta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,896 |
| 3 years | $-9,245 |
| 5 years | $-7,593 |
| 7 years | $-5,941 |
| 9 years | $-4,289 |
| 11 years | $-2,637 |
| 13 years | $-985 |
| 15 years | $667 |
| 17 years | $2,318 |
| 19 years | $3,970 |
| 21 years | $5,622 |
| 23 years | $7,274 |
| 25 years | $8,926 |
Top Solar Installers in Oneonta
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed 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 Oneonta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oneonta
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Oneonta: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Oneonta, one of the most important 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 figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Oneonta, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $4,332 | 19.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,184 | 19.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,241 | 18.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,503 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $12,969 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $15,639 | 17.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $18,514 | 17.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $21,593 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Oneonta, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oneonta?
The average cost of solar panels in Oneonta is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Oneonta have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid 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?
Though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.