Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elmira Heights, NY (2023 Update)
- Elmira Heights Solar Installation Cost: $9,520
- 25-Year Savings: $5,280
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elmira Heights
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Elmira Heights.
In Elmira Heights, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $9,520 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elmira Heights
| 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 Heights
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Elmira Heights, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are several 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
See all of the solar companies in Elmira Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elmira Heights
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Elmira Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,950 per kilowatt in Elmira Heights. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Elmira Heights, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Elmira Heights' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from past customers.
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 Heights, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elmira Heights?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Elmira Heights?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.