Solar Panel Cost Guide in Catskill, NY (2024 Update)
- Catskill Solar Installation Cost: $11,372
- 25-Year Savings: $11,361
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Catskill
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Catskill.
The average cost of solar panels in Catskill is 4 per watt.Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Catskill, the average price of going solar will be about $11,372 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Catskill homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Catskill find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
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Solar savings over time in Catskill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,109 |
| 3 years | $-7,582 |
| 5 years | $-5,056 |
| 7 years | $-2,530 |
| 9 years | $-3 |
| 11 years | $2,523 |
| 13 years | $5,050 |
| 15 years | $7,576 |
| 17 years | $10,102 |
| 19 years | $12,629 |
| 21 years | $15,155 |
| 23 years | $17,682 |
| 25 years | $20,208 |
Top Solar Installers in Catskill
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Catskill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Catskill
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Catskill: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Catskill homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $11,762 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $16,092 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $20,625 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $25,364 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $30,306 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $35,453 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $40,805 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $46,361 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Catskill, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Catskill, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Catskill?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 take a 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 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.