Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fulton, NY (Mar 2023)
- Fulton Solar Installation Cost: $9,458
- 25-Year Savings: $7,289
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fulton
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fulton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fulton it's 2.95 per watt. The average Fulton homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,458 with the federal tax credit, or $13,525 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With average savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fulton find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Fulton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fulton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,788 |
| 3 years | $-7,448 |
| 5 years | $-6,108 |
| 7 years | $-4,769 |
| 9 years | $-3,429 |
| 11 years | $-2,089 |
| 13 years | $-750 |
| 15 years | $590 |
| 17 years | $1,930 |
| 19 years | $3,270 |
| 21 years | $4,609 |
| 23 years | $5,949 |
| 25 years | $7,289 |
Top Solar Installers in Fulton
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Fulton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fulton
For many Fulton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fulton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,950 per kilowatt in Fulton. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fulton average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fulton is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $9,045 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $12,391 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $15,902 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $19,578 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $23,419 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $27,425 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $31,597 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $35,933 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- 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 look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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 project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Fulton, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fulton?
The average cost of solar panels in Fulton is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important 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 think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $731.03 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Fulton?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.