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
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Catskill
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Catskill.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Catskill it’s 4 per watt.The average Catskill homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,372 with the federal tax credit, or $16,262 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear 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.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Catskill homeowner can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
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 decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Another good thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Catskill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Catskill
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Catskill is $11,372, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Catskill, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Catskill to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Catskill, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type 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 ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Catskill, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Catskill?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.