Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carthage, NY (2023 Update)
- Carthage Solar Installation Cost: $9,517
- 25-Year Savings: $6,690
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carthage
We break down average solar pricing in Carthage.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carthage generally cost around 2.95. Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $9,520 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Carthage homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Carthage that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Carthage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,463 |
| 3 years | $-9,355 |
| 5 years | $-9,246 |
| 7 years | $-9,138 |
| 9 years | $-9,030 |
| 11 years | $-8,922 |
| 13 years | $-8,814 |
| 15 years | $-8,706 |
| 17 years | $-8,598 |
| 19 years | $-8,490 |
| 21 years | $-8,382 |
| 23 years | $-8,274 |
| 25 years | $-8,166 |
Top Solar Installers in Carthage
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and handiness. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Carthage:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Carthage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carthage
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Carthage: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,950. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Carthage average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Carthage to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Carthage homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Carthage, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.07 | $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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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 previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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 considerable role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Carthage, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 use.
Are solar panels free in Carthage?
You can't get solar panels for free in Carthage. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout 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 contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.