Solar Panel Cost Guide in Catskill, NY (2023 Update)

  • Catskill Solar Installation Cost: $9,189
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,363
  • Payback Period: 11.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Catskill

We go over average solar pricing in Catskill.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Catskill, the average cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Catskill, the average price of going solar will be about $9,189 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $18,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Catskill find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Catskill that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Catskill

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,367
3 years $-6,723
5 years $-5,079
7 years $-3,435
9 years $-1,790
11 years $-146
13 years $1,498
15 years $3,142
17 years $4,786
19 years $6,430
21 years $8,075
23 years $9,719
25 years $11,363

Top Solar Installers in Catskill

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

There are many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Catskill homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Catskill, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 $14,820 11.6 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $20,090 11.4 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $25,525 11.2 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $31,126 11.0 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $36,892 10.7 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $42,823 10.5 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $48,919 10.3 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $55,181 10.1 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. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Catskill?

The average cost of solar panels in Catskill 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Catskill?

You can't get solar panels for free in Catskill. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Catskill?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.

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