Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stillwater, NY (2024 Update)

  • Stillwater Solar Installation Cost: $11,457
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,244
  • Payback Period: 18.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stillwater

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Stillwater.

In Stillwater, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Stillwater homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,457 with the federal tax credit, or $16,384 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Stillwater see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Stillwater

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,631
3 years $-8,979
5 years $-7,327
7 years $-5,675
9 years $-4,023
11 years $-2,372
13 years $-720
15 years $932
17 years $2,584
19 years $4,236
21 years $5,888
23 years $7,540
25 years $9,191

Top Solar Installers in Stillwater

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Stillwater, optimizing your ROI.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Stillwater, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Stillwater

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stillwater

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Stillwater: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Stillwater, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Stillwater, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 $4,802 19.2 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $6,811 18.8 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $9,025 18.5 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $11,443 18.1 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $14,066 17.7 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $16,893 17.4 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $19,924 17.0 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $23,160 16.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Stillwater, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stillwater?

The average cost of solar panels in Stillwater 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Stillwater?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Stillwater. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How long do solar panels last in Stillwater?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.

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