Solar Panel Cost Guide in Caledonia, NY (2023 Update)
- Caledonia Solar Installation Cost: $9,623
- 25-Year Savings: $6,584
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Caledonia
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Caledonia.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Caledonia, the average cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Caledonia, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,623, or $13,761 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Caledonia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,975 |
| 3 years | $-7,678 |
| 5 years | $-6,382 |
| 7 years | $-5,085 |
| 9 years | $-3,788 |
| 11 years | $-2,492 |
| 13 years | $-1,195 |
| 15 years | $101 |
| 17 years | $1,398 |
| 19 years | $2,694 |
| 21 years | $3,991 |
| 23 years | $5,288 |
| 25 years | $6,584 |
Top Solar Installers in Caledonia
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Caledonia, optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Caledonia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Caledonia
For many Caledonia homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Caledonia, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation 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 $2,950. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise 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
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Caledonia's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.07 | $12,886 | $7,982 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $10,974 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,130 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $17,452 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $20,938 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $24,591 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $28,408 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $32,390 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Caledonia, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Caledonia?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Caledonia?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Caledonia is currently $123,367, so you can look forward to a value of about $5,058 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Caledonia is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.