Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carthage, NY (Mar 2023)
- Carthage Solar Installation Cost: $9,520
- 25-Year Savings: $6,687
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carthage
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Carthage.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carthage typically cost around 2.95. The average Carthage homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,520 with the federal tax credit, or $13,614 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carthage find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Carthage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,871 |
| 3 years | $-7,575 |
| 5 years | $-6,278 |
| 7 years | $-4,982 |
| 9 years | $-3,685 |
| 11 years | $-2,389 |
| 13 years | $-1,092 |
| 15 years | $205 |
| 17 years | $1,501 |
| 19 years | $2,798 |
| 21 years | $4,094 |
| 23 years | $5,391 |
| 25 years | $6,687 |
Top Solar Installers in Carthage
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Carthage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carthage
For many Carthage homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carthage, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Carthage, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Carthage to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Carthage is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $8,215 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,283 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,517 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $17,916 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $21,481 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $25,210 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $29,105 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $33,165 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect 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 some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
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 Carthage, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carthage?
The average cost of solar panels in Carthage is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Carthage?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Carthage, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.