Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bath, NY (2024 Update)
- Bath Solar Installation Cost: $11,783
- 25-Year Savings: $6,656
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bath
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Bath.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bath, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bath is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,783 for a solar installation, or $16,850 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Bath based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Bath, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bath
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,957 |
| 3 years | $-9,305 |
| 5 years | $-7,653 |
| 7 years | $-6,001 |
| 9 years | $-4,349 |
| 11 years | $-2,698 |
| 13 years | $-1,046 |
| 15 years | $606 |
| 17 years | $2,258 |
| 19 years | $3,910 |
| 21 years | $5,562 |
| 23 years | $7,214 |
| 25 years | $8,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Bath
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Bath:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Bath
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bath
For many Bath homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bath, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bath, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Bath, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $5,107 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,218 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,534 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,054 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,778 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,707 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,840 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $24,177 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Bath, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bath?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Bath have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.