Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cortlandville, NY (2024 Update)
- Cortlandville Solar Installation Cost: $11,878
- 25-Year Savings: $5,904
- Payback Period: 19.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cortlandville
We go over average solar pricing in Cortlandville.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Cortlandville is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Cortlandville, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,878, or $16,986 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Cortlandville can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cortlandville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,035 |
| 3 years | $-9,350 |
| 5 years | $-7,665 |
| 7 years | $-5,980 |
| 9 years | $-4,296 |
| 11 years | $-2,611 |
| 13 years | $-926 |
| 15 years | $759 |
| 17 years | $2,444 |
| 19 years | $4,129 |
| 21 years | $5,814 |
| 23 years | $7,499 |
| 25 years | $9,184 |
Top Solar Installers in Cortlandville
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another advantage of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Cortlandville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cortlandville
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Cortlandville, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cortlandville homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cortlandville is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $4,066 | 19.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,831 | 19.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,799 | 19.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $9,973 | 18.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $12,350 | 18.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $14,932 | 18.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $17,718 | 17.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $20,709 | 17.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
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 Cortlandville, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cortlandville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Cortlandville?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.