Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thornwood, NY (2024 Update)
- Thornwood Solar Installation Cost: $10,696
- 25-Year Savings: $24,695
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thornwood
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Thornwood.
In Thornwood, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Thornwood is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,696 for a solar installation, or $15,295 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Thornwood homeowner can save about $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thornwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,816 |
| 3 years | $-5,057 |
| 5 years | $-1,298 |
| 7 years | $2,462 |
| 9 years | $6,221 |
| 11 years | $9,981 |
| 13 years | $13,740 |
| 15 years | $17,499 |
| 17 years | $21,259 |
| 19 years | $25,018 |
| 21 years | $28,777 |
| 23 years | $32,537 |
| 25 years | $36,296 |
Top Solar Installers in Thornwood
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Thornwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thornwood
The cost of installing a solar system in Thornwood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
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 nearly $3,650. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Thornwood homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Thornwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $31,840 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $42,863 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $54,089 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $65,520 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $77,156 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $88,995 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $101,040 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $113,288 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Thornwood, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Thornwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Thornwood 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Thornwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Thornwood, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Thornwood?
On average, solar panels can last 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.