Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cortlandt, NY (Mar 2023)
- Cortlandt Solar Installation Cost: $8,652
- 25-Year Savings: $19,095
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cortlandt
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Cortlandt.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cortlandt it's 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Cortlandt is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,652 for a solar installation, or $12,372 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $25,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cortlandt find going solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Cortlandt, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cortlandt
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,542 |
| 3 years | $-5,323 |
| 5 years | $-3,103 |
| 7 years | $-883 |
| 9 years | $1,337 |
| 11 years | $3,556 |
| 13 years | $5,776 |
| 15 years | $7,996 |
| 17 years | $10,216 |
| 19 years | $12,435 |
| 21 years | $14,655 |
| 23 years | $16,875 |
| 25 years | $19,095 |
Top Solar Installers in Cortlandt
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Cortlandt, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Cortlandt
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cortlandt
The cost of installing a solar system in Cortlandt can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,950. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Cortlandt, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Cortlandt, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Cortlandt, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cortlandt?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cortlandt?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 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.