Solar Panel Cost Guide in Poughkeepsie, NY (2024 Update)
- Poughkeepsie Solar Installation Cost: $11,117
- 25-Year Savings: $13,015
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Poughkeepsie
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Poughkeepsie.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Poughkeepsie, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Poughkeepsie, the average price of going solar will be about $11,117 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Poughkeepsie based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Poughkeepsie find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Poughkeepsie that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Poughkeepsie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,854 |
| 3 years | $-7,328 |
| 5 years | $-4,801 |
| 7 years | $-2,275 |
| 9 years | $251 |
| 11 years | $2,778 |
| 13 years | $5,304 |
| 15 years | $7,831 |
| 17 years | $10,357 |
| 19 years | $12,883 |
| 21 years | $15,410 |
| 23 years | $17,936 |
| 25 years | $20,463 |
Top Solar Installers in Poughkeepsie
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
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 Poughkeepsie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Poughkeepsie
While the average cost of a solar system in Poughkeepsie is $11,117, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable 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 pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Poughkeepsie to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Poughkeepsie homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Poughkeepsie, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $14,394 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $19,600 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $25,012 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $30,627 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $36,447 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $42,471 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $48,700 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $55,133 | 11.4 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 pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although 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 make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes 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 Poughkeepsie, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Poughkeepsie?
The average cost of solar panels in Poughkeepsie is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Poughkeepsie?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Poughkeepsie. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Poughkeepsie have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.