Solar Panel Cost Guide in Corning, NY (2023 Update)
- Corning Solar Installation Cost: $11,783
- 25-Year Savings: $6,963
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Corning
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Corning.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Corning it's 2.95 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Corning, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,520, or $13,614 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Corning homeowners. The price 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.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Corning see about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Corning
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,957 |
| 3 years | $-9,305 |
| 5 years | $-7,653 |
| 7 years | $-6,001 |
| 9 years | $-4,349 |
| 11 years | $-2,698 |
| 13 years | $-1,046 |
| 15 years | $606 |
| 17 years | $2,258 |
| 19 years | $3,910 |
| 21 years | $5,562 |
| 23 years | $7,214 |
| 25 years | $8,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Corning
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Corning
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Corning
There are several criteria that can influence your 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Corning, 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 power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, 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 difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Corning, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across 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 promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $5,506 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,750 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,198 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,851 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $15,708 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $18,770 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $22,036 | 16.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $25,506 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Corning, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Corning?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Corning?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Corning?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.