Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elwood, NY (2025 Update)
- Elwood Solar Installation Cost: $9,930
- 25-Year Savings: $14,345
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elwood
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Elwood.
The average cost of a solar system in Elwood is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Elwood is around 3.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,930 for a solar installation, or $14,200 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Elwood, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,405 |
| 3 years | $-5,354 |
| 5 years | $-2,303 |
| 7 years | $747 |
| 9 years | $3,798 |
| 11 years | $6,849 |
| 13 years | $9,899 |
| 15 years | $12,950 |
| 17 years | $16,001 |
| 19 years | $19,051 |
| 21 years | $22,102 |
| 23 years | $25,153 |
| 25 years | $28,204 |
Top Solar Installers in Elwood
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Elwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elwood
Although the average cost of a solar system in Elwood is $9,930, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,650. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Elwood, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Elwood, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Elwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $18,592 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $25,198 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $32,009 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $39,024 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $46,243 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $53,667 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $61,295 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $69,128 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Elwood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
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 Elwood, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elwood?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 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 above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Elwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.