Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cicero, NY (2024 Update)
- Cicero Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
- 25-Year Savings: $6,642
- Payback Period: 18.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cicero
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Cicero.
The average cost of a solar system in Cicero is 4 per watt.The average Cicero homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,835 with the federal tax credit, or $16,924 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Cicero homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Cicero homeowner can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Cicero, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cicero
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,926 |
| 3 years | $-9,109 |
| 5 years | $-7,292 |
| 7 years | $-5,475 |
| 9 years | $-3,658 |
| 11 years | $-1,840 |
| 13 years | $-23 |
| 15 years | $1,794 |
| 17 years | $3,611 |
| 19 years | $5,428 |
| 21 years | $7,245 |
| 23 years | $9,063 |
| 25 years | $10,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Cicero
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Also, companies with a high 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're on the hunt for a solar installer in Cicero, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Cicero
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cicero
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Cicero is $11,835, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Cicero, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $5,050 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,143 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,439 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,940 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,646 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,555 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,670 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,988 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- 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 significant role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Cicero, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cicero?
The average cost of solar panels in Cicero is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cicero?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $699.78 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.