Solar Panel Cost Guide in Onondaga, NY (2024 Update)
- Onondaga Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
- 25-Year Savings: $5,980
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Onondaga
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Onondaga.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Onondaga, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Onondaga, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,835, or $16,924 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Onondaga homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Onondaga can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Onondaga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,956 |
| 3 years | $-9,199 |
| 5 years | $-7,442 |
| 7 years | $-5,685 |
| 9 years | $-3,928 |
| 11 years | $-2,171 |
| 13 years | $-414 |
| 15 years | $1,343 |
| 17 years | $3,100 |
| 19 years | $4,857 |
| 21 years | $6,614 |
| 23 years | $8,371 |
| 25 years | $10,128 |
Top Solar Installers in Onondaga
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Onondaga, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Onondaga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Onondaga
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Onondaga is $11,835, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Onondaga, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Onondaga have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Onondaga homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect the cost. Onondaga’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $4,193 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,999 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,010 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,225 | 18.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $12,645 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $15,269 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $18,097 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $21,130 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company 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 keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like 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 Onondaga, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Onondaga?
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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Onondaga?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Onondaga, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.