Solar Panel Cost Guide in Potsdam, NY (2024 Update)
- Potsdam Solar Installation Cost: $12,141
- 25-Year Savings: $6,395
- Payback Period: 18.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Potsdam
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Potsdam.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Potsdam, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Potsdam is around 4.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,141 for a solar installation, or $17,362 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Potsdam homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Potsdam find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Potsdam
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,232 |
| 3 years | $-9,415 |
| 5 years | $-7,598 |
| 7 years | $-5,781 |
| 9 years | $-3,964 |
| 11 years | $-2,147 |
| 13 years | $-329 |
| 15 years | $1,488 |
| 17 years | $3,305 |
| 19 years | $5,122 |
| 21 years | $6,939 |
| 23 years | $8,756 |
| 25 years | $10,574 |
Top Solar Installers in Potsdam
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Potsdam
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Potsdam
There are a number of criteria that can determine your total 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Potsdam to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Potsdam’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Potsdam know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $4,521 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,437 | 19.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,557 | 18.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,881 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,410 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,144 | 17.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,082 | 17.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $22,224 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Potsdam, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Potsdam?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Potsdam?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Potsdam. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 install 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.