Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cayuga Heights, NY (2024 Update)
- Cayuga Heights Solar Installation Cost: $11,905
- 25-Year Savings: $5,178
- Payback Period: 20.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cayuga Heights
We go over average solar pricing in Cayuga Heights.
In Cayuga Heights, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Cayuga Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $11,905 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Cayuga Heights depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $12,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cayuga Heights find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Cayuga Heights that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cayuga Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,080 |
| 3 years | $-9,428 |
| 5 years | $-7,776 |
| 7 years | $-6,124 |
| 9 years | $-4,472 |
| 11 years | $-2,820 |
| 13 years | $-1,169 |
| 15 years | $483 |
| 17 years | $2,135 |
| 19 years | $3,787 |
| 21 years | $5,439 |
| 23 years | $7,091 |
| 25 years | $8,743 |
Top Solar Installers in Cayuga Heights
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Cayuga Heights, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Cayuga Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cayuga Heights
There are a number of criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,650. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Cayuga Heights, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Cayuga Heights, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Cayuga Heights have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $3,114 | 20.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $4,560 | 20.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $6,212 | 20.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $8,067 | 19.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $10,127 | 19.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $12,391 | 18.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $14,860 | 18.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $17,533 | 18.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Cayuga Heights, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cayuga Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Cayuga Heights is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cayuga Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Cayuga Heights is currently $225,813, so you can look forward to a value of about $9,258 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Cayuga Heights is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 buy 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.