Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vernon, NY (2024 Update)
- Vernon Solar Installation Cost: $11,803
- 25-Year Savings: $6,198
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vernon
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Vernon.
In Vernon, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Vernon, the average price of going solar will be about $11,803 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Vernon can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Vernon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,944 |
| 3 years | $-9,227 |
| 5 years | $-7,509 |
| 7 years | $-5,791 |
| 9 years | $-4,073 |
| 11 years | $-2,355 |
| 13 years | $-637 |
| 15 years | $1,081 |
| 17 years | $2,799 |
| 19 years | $4,517 |
| 21 years | $6,235 |
| 23 years | $7,953 |
| 25 years | $9,671 |
Top Solar Installers in Vernon
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult 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 want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
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 Vernon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vernon
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Vernon: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require 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.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Vernon, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers 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 | $4,497 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,404 | 19.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,517 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,833 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,354 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,079 | 17.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,009 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $22,143 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years 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 Vernon, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vernon?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Vernon?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Vernon. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.