Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Cottage, NY (2024 Update)

  • Valley Cottage Solar Installation Cost: $10,838
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,340
  • Payback Period: 10.0 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 Valley Cottage

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Valley Cottage.

In Valley Cottage, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 4.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Valley Cottage, the average price of going solar will be about $10,838 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $24,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Valley Cottage find investing in solar can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Valley Cottage

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,497
3 years $-6,815
5 years $-4,133
7 years $-1,452
9 years $1,230
11 years $3,912
13 years $6,594
15 years $9,275
17 years $11,957
19 years $14,639
21 years $17,320
23 years $20,002
25 years $22,684

Top Solar Installers in Valley Cottage

Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

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 Valley Cottage

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Cottage

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Valley Cottage: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,650 per kilowatt in Valley Cottage.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Valley Cottage, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Valley Cottage to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Valley Cottage is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 $22,389 10.4 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $30,260 10.2 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $38,336 10.0 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $46,617 9.8 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $55,102 9.6 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $63,791 9.4 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $72,685 9.2 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $81,783 9.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Valley Cottage, 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: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • 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 good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.

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 Valley Cottage, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valley Cottage?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Valley Cottage?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Valley Cottage. 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.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Valley Cottage?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.

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