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

  • Coram Solar Installation Cost: $8,033
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,338
  • Payback Period: 9.0 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Coram

We go over average solar pricing in Coram.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Coram typically cost about 2.95. Using this figure, a typical 3.9-kW system would cost about $8,033 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Coram homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Coram, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Coram

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,138
3 years $-5,348
5 years $-3,559
7 years $-1,769
9 years $21
11 years $1,810
13 years $3,600
15 years $5,390
17 years $7,179
19 years $8,969
21 years $10,759
23 years $12,548
25 years $14,338

Top Solar Installers in Coram

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to 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 Coram:

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 Coram

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Coram

For many Coram homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Coram, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Coram homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 Coram is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 $21,650 9.3 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $29,197 9.1 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $36,909 9.0 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $44,786 8.8 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $52,829 8.6 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $61,037 8.4 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $69,410 8.3 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $77,948 8.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.

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 Coram, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Coram?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Coram?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get 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.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.

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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