Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rome, NY (2024 Update)
- Rome Solar Installation Cost: $11,803
- 25-Year Savings: $6,667
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rome
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Rome.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rome it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Rome, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,803, or $16,878 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large initial cost, the average Rome homeowner can save around $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Rome, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rome
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,895 |
| 3 years | $-9,078 |
| 5 years | $-7,261 |
| 7 years | $-5,443 |
| 9 years | $-3,626 |
| 11 years | $-1,809 |
| 13 years | $8 |
| 15 years | $1,825 |
| 17 years | $3,642 |
| 19 years | $5,459 |
| 21 years | $7,277 |
| 23 years | $9,094 |
| 25 years | $10,911 |
Top Solar Installers in Rome
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Rome
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rome
The cost of installing a solar system in Rome can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rome, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 significant investment. That’s why many Rome homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Rome’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 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 generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $5,106 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,217 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,532 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,051 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,775 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,704 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,836 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $24,174 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Rome, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Rome, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rome?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rome?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly 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 should I get 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.