Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cortlandt, NY (2024 Update)
- Cortlandt Solar Installation Cost: $10,696
- 25-Year Savings: $19,102
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cortlandt
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Cortlandt.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cortlandt, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Cortlandt, most homeowners require a 4.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,696, or $15,295 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Cortlandt homeowner can save about $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cortlandt
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,940 |
| 3 years | $-5,427 |
| 5 years | $-1,914 |
| 7 years | $1,599 |
| 9 years | $5,111 |
| 11 years | $8,624 |
| 13 years | $12,137 |
| 15 years | $15,650 |
| 17 years | $19,163 |
| 19 years | $22,675 |
| 21 years | $26,188 |
| 23 years | $29,701 |
| 25 years | $33,214 |
Top Solar Installers in Cortlandt
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Cortlandt
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cortlandt
Cost is usually 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 Cortlandt: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Cortlandt, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Most solar installers in Cortlandt provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt 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 installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $23,825 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $32,175 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $40,730 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $49,489 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $58,453 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $67,621 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $76,993 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $86,570 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Cortlandt, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cortlandt?
The average cost of solar panels in Cortlandt 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cortlandt?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,325.60 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 larger amount 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.