Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plattsburgh, NY (2024 Update)
- Plattsburgh Solar Installation Cost: $11,879
- 25-Year Savings: $8,769
- Payback Period: 24.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plattsburgh
We go over average solar pricing in Plattsburgh.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Plattsburgh typically cost around 4.The average Plattsburgh homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,879 with the federal tax credit, or $16,987 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Plattsburgh homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $10,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Plattsburgh find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Plattsburgh for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Plattsburgh
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,053 |
| 3 years | $-9,402 |
| 5 years | $-7,750 |
| 7 years | $-6,098 |
| 9 years | $-4,446 |
| 11 years | $-2,794 |
| 13 years | $-1,142 |
| 15 years | $509 |
| 17 years | $2,161 |
| 19 years | $3,813 |
| 21 years | $5,465 |
| 23 years | $7,117 |
| 25 years | $8,769 |
Top Solar Installers in Plattsburgh
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Plattsburgh
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plattsburgh
There are a number of factors that can affect 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 system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,650. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Plattsburgh, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Plattsburgh, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically 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 | $-36 | 25.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $360 | 24.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $962 | 24.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $1,767 | 23.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $2,777 | 23.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $3,991 | 22.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $5,410 | 22.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $7,033 | 21.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Plattsburgh, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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.
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 Plattsburgh, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plattsburgh?
The average cost of solar panels in Plattsburgh 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 type 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?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Plattsburgh?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 cover 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.