Solar Panel Cost Guide in Herkimer, NY (2024 Update)
- Herkimer Solar Installation Cost: $11,934
- 25-Year Savings: $6,210
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Herkimer
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Herkimer.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Herkimer generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.7-kW system would cost about $11,934 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 exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Herkimer find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Herkimer
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,053 |
| 3 years | $-9,291 |
| 5 years | $-7,528 |
| 7 years | $-5,766 |
| 9 years | $-4,004 |
| 11 years | $-2,242 |
| 13 years | $-480 |
| 15 years | $1,282 |
| 17 years | $3,044 |
| 19 years | $4,806 |
| 21 years | $6,568 |
| 23 years | $8,330 |
| 25 years | $10,092 |
Top Solar Installers in Herkimer
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Herkimer
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Herkimer
For many Herkimer homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Herkimer, 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
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 $3,650 per kilowatt in Herkimer.The brand and type 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 often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Herkimer is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $4,424 | 19.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,308 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,396 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,688 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,185 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $15,887 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $18,792 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $21,902 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- 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 your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Herkimer, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Herkimer?
The average cost of solar panels in Herkimer is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Herkimer?
Solar panels aren’t free in Herkimer, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Herkimer, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.