Solar Panel Cost Guide in Poughkeepsie, NY (2024 Update)
- Poughkeepsie Solar Installation Cost: $11,117
- 25-Year Savings: $13,015
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Poughkeepsie
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Poughkeepsie.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Poughkeepsie, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Poughkeepsie is around 4.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,117 for a solar installation, or $15,897 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Poughkeepsie homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Poughkeepsie find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Poughkeepsie, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Poughkeepsie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,854 |
| 3 years | $-7,328 |
| 5 years | $-4,801 |
| 7 years | $-2,275 |
| 9 years | $251 |
| 11 years | $2,778 |
| 13 years | $5,304 |
| 15 years | $7,831 |
| 17 years | $10,357 |
| 19 years | $12,883 |
| 21 years | $15,410 |
| 23 years | $17,936 |
| 25 years | $20,463 |
Top Solar Installers in Poughkeepsie
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Poughkeepsie:
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 Poughkeepsie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Poughkeepsie
For many Poughkeepsie homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Poughkeepsie, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,650. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Poughkeepsie, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Poughkeepsie homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Poughkeepsie’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $14,394 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $19,600 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $25,012 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $30,627 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $36,447 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $42,471 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $48,700 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $55,133 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Poughkeepsie, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Poughkeepsie, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Poughkeepsie?
The average cost of solar panels in Poughkeepsie is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Poughkeepsie?
Solar panels aren’t free in Poughkeepsie, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Poughkeepsie have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally 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.