Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fulton, NY (2023 Update)
- Fulton Solar Installation Cost: $9,461
- 25-Year Savings: $7,286
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fulton
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fulton.
In Fulton, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Fulton, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,458, or $13,525 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Fulton can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Fulton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fulton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,405 |
| 3 years | $-9,293 |
| 5 years | $-9,182 |
| 7 years | $-9,070 |
| 9 years | $-8,959 |
| 11 years | $-8,847 |
| 13 years | $-8,735 |
| 15 years | $-8,624 |
| 17 years | $-8,512 |
| 19 years | $-8,400 |
| 21 years | $-8,289 |
| 23 years | $-8,177 |
| 25 years | $-8,065 |
Top Solar Installers in Fulton
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Fulton:
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 Fulton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fulton
The cost of installing a solar system in Fulton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fulton to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.07 | $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
There are numerous companies to choose from in Fulton, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Fulton, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fulton?
This is a difficult 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Fulton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fulton. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Fulton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Fulton?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.