Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elbridge, NY (2024 Update)
- Elbridge Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
- 25-Year Savings: $6,403
- Payback Period: 18.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elbridge
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Elbridge.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Elbridge it’s 4 per watt.The average Elbridge 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.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Elbridge find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Elbridge that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Elbridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,009 |
| 3 years | $-9,357 |
| 5 years | $-7,705 |
| 7 years | $-6,053 |
| 9 years | $-4,401 |
| 11 years | $-2,750 |
| 13 years | $-1,098 |
| 15 years | $554 |
| 17 years | $2,206 |
| 19 years | $3,858 |
| 21 years | $5,510 |
| 23 years | $7,161 |
| 25 years | $8,813 |
Top Solar Installers in Elbridge
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Elbridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elbridge
There are several factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Elbridge, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to 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 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 | $4,741 | 19.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,730 | 18.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,923 | 18.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,321 | 18.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,923 | 17.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,730 | 17.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,741 | 17.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $22,956 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Elbridge, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Elbridge?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Elbridge?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Elbridge have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Elbridge?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.