Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ulster, NY (2024 Update)
- Ulster Solar Installation Cost: $11,137
- 25-Year Savings: $12,999
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ulster
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ulster.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ulster typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $11,137 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ulster find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Ulster for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ulster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,874 |
| 3 years | $-7,348 |
| 5 years | $-4,821 |
| 7 years | $-2,295 |
| 9 years | $231 |
| 11 years | $2,758 |
| 13 years | $5,284 |
| 15 years | $7,810 |
| 17 years | $10,337 |
| 19 years | $12,863 |
| 21 years | $15,390 |
| 23 years | $17,916 |
| 25 years | $20,442 |
Top Solar Installers in Ulster
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Ulster, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Ulster, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Ulster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ulster
The cost of installing a solar system in Ulster can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company 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, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,650. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Ulster 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 put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Ulster’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $14,339 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $19,527 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $24,920 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $30,517 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $36,319 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $42,325 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $48,535 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $54,950 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- 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 panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Ulster, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ulster?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ulster?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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 solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Ulster?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.