Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frankfort, NY (2023 Update)
- Frankfort Solar Installation Cost: $9,644
- 25-Year Savings: $5,960
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Frankfort
We break down average solar pricing in Frankfort.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Frankfort it's 2.95 per watt. Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Frankfort, the average price of going solar will be about $9,644 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Frankfort that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Frankfort
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,019 |
| 3 years | $-7,771 |
| 5 years | $-6,523 |
| 7 years | $-5,274 |
| 9 years | $-4,026 |
| 11 years | $-2,778 |
| 13 years | $-1,529 |
| 15 years | $-281 |
| 17 years | $967 |
| 19 years | $2,215 |
| 21 years | $3,464 |
| 23 years | $4,712 |
| 25 years | $5,960 |
Top Solar Installers in Frankfort
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Frankfort:
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 Frankfort
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frankfort
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Frankfort: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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're only able to 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 APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Frankfort, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $7,159 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $9,876 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $12,758 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $15,805 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $19,018 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $22,395 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $25,938 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $29,646 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Frankfort, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Frankfort?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Frankfort?
A solar panel system isn't free in Frankfort, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.