Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scotia, NY (2024 Update)
- Scotia Solar Installation Cost: $11,361
- 25-Year Savings: $7,025
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scotia
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Scotia.
In Scotia, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Scotia, most homeowners require a 4.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,361, or $16,246 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Scotia find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Scotia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,452 |
| 3 years | $-8,635 |
| 5 years | $-6,818 |
| 7 years | $-5,001 |
| 9 years | $-3,184 |
| 11 years | $-1,367 |
| 13 years | $451 |
| 15 years | $2,268 |
| 17 years | $4,085 |
| 19 years | $5,902 |
| 21 years | $7,719 |
| 23 years | $9,536 |
| 25 years | $11,353 |
Top Solar Installers in Scotia
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert 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 Scotia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scotia
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Scotia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,650. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Scotia homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Scotia, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Scotia are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $5,926 | 18.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $8,310 | 17.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,898 | 17.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $13,691 | 17.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $16,689 | 16.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $19,890 | 16.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $23,296 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $26,907 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Scotia, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Scotia?
This is a hard 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Scotia?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Scotia. However, you may still be able to afford 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 Scotia have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.