Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cayuga Heights, NY (Mar 2023)
- Cayuga Heights Solar Installation Cost: $9,623
- 25-Year Savings: $5,177
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cayuga Heights
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Cayuga Heights.
The average cost of a solar system in Cayuga Heights is 2.95 per watt. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Cayuga Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $9,623 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Cayuga Heights homeowners see about $12,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Cayuga Heights for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cayuga Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,031 |
| 3 years | $-7,847 |
| 5 years | $-6,663 |
| 7 years | $-5,479 |
| 9 years | $-4,295 |
| 11 years | $-3,111 |
| 13 years | $-1,927 |
| 15 years | $-743 |
| 17 years | $441 |
| 19 years | $1,625 |
| 21 years | $2,809 |
| 23 years | $3,993 |
| 25 years | $5,177 |
Top Solar Installers in Cayuga Heights
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Cayuga Heights:
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 Cayuga Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cayuga Heights
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Cayuga Heights: 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Cayuga Heights, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Cayuga Heights average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cayuga Heights 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
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cayuga Heights is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.07 | $12,886 | $6,171 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $8,559 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $11,112 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $13,829 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $16,713 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $19,761 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $22,974 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $26,353 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Cayuga Heights, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- 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 kind 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Cayuga Heights, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cayuga Heights?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cayuga Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Does Cayuga Heights have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.