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

  • Cortlandt Solar Installation Cost: $8,645
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,102
  • Payback Period: 7.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Cortlandt

Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Cortlandt.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cortlandt generally cost around 2.95. Since a 4.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Cortlandt, the average price of going solar will be about $8,652 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cortlandt

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,552
3 years $-8,367
5 years $-8,182
7 years $-7,997
9 years $-7,812
11 years $-7,627
13 years $-7,442
15 years $-7,257
17 years $-7,072
19 years $-6,887
21 years $-6,702
23 years $-6,517
25 years $-6,332

Top Solar Installers in Cortlandt

Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Cortlandt, thereby optimizing your ROI.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Cortlandt

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cortlandt

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

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,950. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Cortlandt homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cortlandt homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Cortlandt, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Cortlandt have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 $3.07 $12,886 $26,882 8.1 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $36,173 7.9 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $45,630 7.8 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $55,251 7.6 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $65,038 7.5 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $74,990 7.3 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $85,107 7.2 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $95,390 7.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Cortlandt, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.

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 Cortlandt, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cortlandt?

The average cost of solar panels in Cortlandt is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Cortlandt?

Solar panels aren't free in Cortlandt, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Cortlandt, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Cortlandt?

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 higher 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.

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