Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, NY (2025 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $11,832
- 25-Year Savings: $5,706
- Payback Period: 19.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Auburn.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Auburn, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,832 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Auburn depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,006 |
| 3 years | $-9,354 |
| 5 years | $-7,702 |
| 7 years | $-6,051 |
| 9 years | $-4,399 |
| 11 years | $-2,747 |
| 13 years | $-1,095 |
| 15 years | $557 |
| 17 years | $2,209 |
| 19 years | $3,860 |
| 21 years | $5,512 |
| 23 years | $7,164 |
| 25 years | $8,816 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Auburn, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Auburn is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Auburn know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3,840 | 20.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,528 | 19.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,422 | 19.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $9,519 | 19.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $11,821 | 18.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $14,327 | 18.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $17,038 | 17.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $19,953 | 17.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect 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 a few important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
EcoWatch's Auburn, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auburn?
The average cost of solar panels in Auburn is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Auburn?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty 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 average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.