Solar Panel Cost Guide in Onondaga, NY (2024 Update)
- Onondaga Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
- 25-Year Savings: $5,980
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Onondaga
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Onondaga.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Onondaga, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Onondaga, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,835, or $16,924 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Onondaga homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Onondaga find going solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Onondaga, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Onondaga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,956 |
| 3 years | $-9,199 |
| 5 years | $-7,442 |
| 7 years | $-5,685 |
| 9 years | $-3,928 |
| 11 years | $-2,171 |
| 13 years | $-414 |
| 15 years | $1,343 |
| 17 years | $3,100 |
| 19 years | $4,857 |
| 21 years | $6,614 |
| 23 years | $8,371 |
| 25 years | $10,128 |
Top Solar Installers in Onondaga
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar company 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 Onondaga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Onondaga
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Onondaga: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Onondaga, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
Most solar installers in Onondaga offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Onondaga, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $4,193 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,999 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,010 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,225 | 18.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $12,645 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $15,269 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $18,097 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $21,130 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Onondaga, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- 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.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Onondaga, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Onondaga?
The average cost of solar panels in Onondaga 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Onondaga?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Onondaga, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Onondaga is currently $220,837, so you could be looking at a value of about $9,054 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Onondaga is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Onondaga?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.