Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elma Center, NY (2024 Update)
- Elma Center Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
- 25-Year Savings: $5,347
- Payback Period: 19.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elma Center
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Elma Center.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Elma Center, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Elma Center, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,696, or $16,725 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Elma Center based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Elma Center homeowner can save about $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Elma Center, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elma Center
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,870 |
| 3 years | $-9,218 |
| 5 years | $-7,566 |
| 7 years | $-5,914 |
| 9 years | $-4,263 |
| 11 years | $-2,611 |
| 13 years | $-959 |
| 15 years | $693 |
| 17 years | $2,345 |
| 19 years | $3,997 |
| 21 years | $5,648 |
| 23 years | $7,300 |
| 25 years | $8,952 |
Top Solar Installers in Elma Center
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Elma Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elma Center
The cost of installing a solar system in Elma Center can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Elma Center, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Elma Center homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $3,455 | 20.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,016 | 20.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $6,781 | 19.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $8,750 | 19.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $10,924 | 19.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $13,302 | 18.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $15,884 | 18.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $18,671 | 17.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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 large role in the company you hire.
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 Elma Center, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Elma Center?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Elma Center?
Solar panels aren’t free in Elma Center, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.