Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elmira, NY (Mar 2023)
- Elmira Solar Installation Cost: $9,520
- 25-Year Savings: $5,280
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elmira
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Elmira.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Elmira typically cost about 2.95. 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Elmira homeowner can save about $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elmira
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,928 |
| 3 years | $-7,744 |
| 5 years | $-6,560 |
| 7 years | $-5,376 |
| 9 years | $-4,192 |
| 11 years | $-3,008 |
| 13 years | $-1,824 |
| 15 years | $-640 |
| 17 years | $544 |
| 19 years | $1,728 |
| 21 years | $2,912 |
| 23 years | $4,096 |
| 25 years | $5,280 |
Top Solar Installers in Elmira
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Elmira
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elmira
For many Elmira homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Elmira, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,950. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Elmira, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Elmira homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Elmira, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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
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 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.