Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frankfort, NY (2024 Update)
- Frankfort Solar Installation Cost: $11,934
- 25-Year Savings: $5,959
- Payback Period: 19.1 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 Frankfort
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Frankfort.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Frankfort, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Frankfort is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,934 for a solar installation, or $17,066 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Frankfort homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Frankfort homeowner can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Frankfort
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,087 |
| 3 years | $-9,394 |
| 5 years | $-7,701 |
| 7 years | $-6,008 |
| 9 years | $-4,314 |
| 11 years | $-2,621 |
| 13 years | $-928 |
| 15 years | $765 |
| 17 years | $2,458 |
| 19 years | $4,151 |
| 21 years | $5,845 |
| 23 years | $7,538 |
| 25 years | $9,231 |
Top Solar Installers in Frankfort
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Frankfort
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frankfort
For many Frankfort homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Frankfort, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge 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 increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Frankfort homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much you pay. Frankfort’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 | $4,102 | 19.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,878 | 19.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,858 | 19.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,043 | 18.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $12,432 | 18.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $15,026 | 18.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $17,824 | 17.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $20,826 | 17.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
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 Frankfort, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Frankfort?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Frankfort?
Solar panels aren’t free in Frankfort, 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 can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
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 $668.16 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.