Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tioga, NY (2024 Update)
- Tioga Solar Installation Cost: $11,808
- 25-Year Savings: $4,844
- Payback Period: 20.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tioga
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Tioga.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tioga generally cost around 4.The average Tioga homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,808 with the federal tax credit, or $16,885 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $12,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Tioga find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tioga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,982 |
| 3 years | $-9,331 |
| 5 years | $-7,679 |
| 7 years | $-6,027 |
| 9 years | $-4,375 |
| 11 years | $-2,723 |
| 13 years | $-1,071 |
| 15 years | $580 |
| 17 years | $2,232 |
| 19 years | $3,884 |
| 21 years | $5,536 |
| 23 years | $7,188 |
| 25 years | $8,840 |
Top Solar Installers in Tioga
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another advantage of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Tioga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tioga
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Tioga: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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, your total will most likely increase by about $3,650. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Tioga average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tioga to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost 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 paying more over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Tioga homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Tioga, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Tioga are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2,735 | 21.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $4,056 | 20.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $5,581 | 20.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $7,310 | 20.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $9,244 | 19.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $11,382 | 19.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $13,724 | 18.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $16,271 | 18.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Tioga, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tioga?
This is a hard 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Tioga?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Tioga. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Tioga?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.