Solar Panel Cost Guide in Utica, NY (2024 Update)
- Utica Solar Installation Cost: $11,803
- 25-Year Savings: $6,667
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Utica
We break down average solar pricing in Utica.
The average cost of solar panels in Utica is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,803 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Utica depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Utica, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Utica
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,895 |
| 3 years | $-9,078 |
| 5 years | $-7,261 |
| 7 years | $-5,443 |
| 9 years | $-3,626 |
| 11 years | $-1,809 |
| 13 years | $8 |
| 15 years | $1,825 |
| 17 years | $3,642 |
| 19 years | $5,459 |
| 21 years | $7,277 |
| 23 years | $9,094 |
| 25 years | $10,911 |
Top Solar Installers in Utica
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Utica
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Utica
The cost of installing a solar system in Utica can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Utica, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Utica to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.It’s wise to include 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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Utica, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $5,106 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,217 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,532 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,051 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,775 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,704 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,836 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $24,174 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall 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, including:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Utica, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Utica?
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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Utica?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt 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 solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.