Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elmira Heights, NY (2024 Update)
- Elmira Heights Solar Installation Cost: $11,776
- 25-Year Savings: $5,282
- Payback Period: 19.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elmira Heights
We break down average solar pricing in Elmira Heights.
The average cost of solar panels in Elmira Heights is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,776 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Elmira Heights homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elmira Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,950 |
| 3 years | $-9,298 |
| 5 years | $-7,647 |
| 7 years | $-5,995 |
| 9 years | $-4,343 |
| 11 years | $-2,691 |
| 13 years | $-1,039 |
| 15 years | $613 |
| 17 years | $2,264 |
| 19 years | $3,916 |
| 21 years | $5,568 |
| 23 years | $7,220 |
| 25 years | $8,872 |
Top Solar Installers in Elmira Heights
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Elmira Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elmira Heights
The cost of installing a solar system in Elmira Heights can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Elmira Heights average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Elmira Heights to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Elmira Heights, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $3,323 | 20.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $4,839 | 20.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $6,560 | 19.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $8,485 | 19.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $10,615 | 19.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $12,949 | 18.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $15,487 | 18.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $18,230 | 17.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Elmira Heights, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elmira Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Elmira Heights 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 things like 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?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Elmira Heights?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.