Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cortland, NY (2024 Update)
- Cortland Solar Installation Cost: $11,878
- 25-Year Savings: $8,770
- Payback Period: 19.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cortland
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Cortland.
In Cortland, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Cortland, the average price of going solar will be about $11,878 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
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Solar savings over time in Cortland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,052 |
| 3 years | $-9,400 |
| 5 years | $-7,748 |
| 7 years | $-6,096 |
| 9 years | $-4,444 |
| 11 years | $-2,792 |
| 13 years | $-1,141 |
| 15 years | $511 |
| 17 years | $2,163 |
| 19 years | $3,815 |
| 21 years | $5,467 |
| 23 years | $7,119 |
| 25 years | $8,770 |
Top Solar Installers in Cortland
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
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 Cortland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cortland
There are several criteria that can influence 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,650 per kilowatt in Cortland.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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. 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 available from most installers in Cortland, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much it costs. Cortland’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Cortland are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $4,066 | 19.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,831 | 19.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,799 | 19.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $9,973 | 18.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $12,350 | 18.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $14,932 | 18.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $17,718 | 17.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $20,709 | 17.2 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 kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
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 Cortland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cortland?
The average cost of solar panels in Cortland is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Cortland, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.