Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elmira, NY (2023 Update)
- Elmira Solar Installation Cost: $9,518
- 25-Year Savings: $5,282
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elmira
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Elmira.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Elmira, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Elmira is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,520 for a solar installation, or $13,614 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 $12,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Elmira find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Elmira
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,468 |
| 3 years | $-9,370 |
| 5 years | $-9,271 |
| 7 years | $-9,172 |
| 9 years | $-9,074 |
| 11 years | $-8,975 |
| 13 years | $-8,877 |
| 15 years | $-8,778 |
| 17 years | $-8,679 |
| 19 years | $-8,581 |
| 21 years | $-8,482 |
| 23 years | $-8,383 |
| 25 years | $-8,285 |
Top Solar Installers in Elmira
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
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 in Elmira:
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 Elmira
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elmira
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Elmira, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Elmira, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Elmira offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Elmira, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $6,380 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $8,838 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $11,460 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $14,248 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $17,201 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $20,319 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $23,602 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $27,050 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Elmira, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elmira?
The average cost of solar panels in Elmira 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Elmira, 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 long do solar panels last in Elmira?
On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.