Solar Panel Cost Guide in Horseheads, NY (2024 Update)
- Horseheads Solar Installation Cost: $11,776
- 25-Year Savings: $8,872
- Payback Period: 19.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Horseheads
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Horseheads.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Horseheads is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,776 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Horseheads, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Horseheads
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,950 |
| 3 years | $-9,298 |
| 5 years | $-7,647 |
| 7 years | $-5,995 |
| 9 years | $-4,343 |
| 11 years | $-2,691 |
| 13 years | $-1,039 |
| 15 years | $613 |
| 17 years | $2,264 |
| 19 years | $3,916 |
| 21 years | $5,568 |
| 23 years | $7,220 |
| 25 years | $8,872 |
Top Solar Installers in Horseheads
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions 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 Horseheads
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Horseheads
Though the average cost of a solar system in Horseheads is $11,776, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use 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.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Horseheads to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Horseheads homeowners, they can also increase 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 installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $3,829 | 20.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,515 | 19.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,404 | 19.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $9,498 | 19.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $11,797 | 18.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $14,299 | 18.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $17,007 | 17.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $19,918 | 17.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Horseheads, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Horseheads, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Horseheads?
The average cost of solar panels in Horseheads 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 stuff like the kind 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 Horseheads?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Horseheads?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.