Solar Panel Cost Guide in Geneseo, NY (2023 Update)

  • Geneseo Solar Installation Cost: $9,623
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,237
  • Payback Period: 15.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Geneseo

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Geneseo.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Geneseo is 2.95 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Geneseo, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,623, or $13,761 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Geneseo

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,570
3 years $-9,464
5 years $-9,358
7 years $-9,252
9 years $-9,147
11 years $-9,041
13 years $-8,935
15 years $-8,829
17 years $-8,724
19 years $-8,618
21 years $-8,512
23 years $-8,407
25 years $-8,301

Top Solar Installers in Geneseo

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Another upside of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Geneseo:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Geneseo

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Geneseo

For many Geneseo homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Geneseo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Geneseo homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Geneseo's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 $7,536 15.8 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $10,378 15.5 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $13,385 15.2 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $16,558 14.9 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $19,896 14.6 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $23,399 14.3 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $27,067 14.0 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $30,901 13.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Geneseo, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Geneseo?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Geneseo?

You can't get solar panels for free in Geneseo. 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.

Is it worth going solar in Geneseo?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Geneseo?

On average, solar panels can last 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.

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