Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hornell, NY (2025 Update)
- Hornell Solar Installation Cost: $11,783
- 25-Year Savings: $6,963
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hornell
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Hornell.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hornell, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Hornell, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,783, or $16,850 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Hornell homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Hornell homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Hornell that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hornell
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-10,957 |
3 years | $-9,305 |
5 years | $-7,653 |
7 years | $-6,001 |
9 years | $-4,349 |
11 years | $-2,698 |
13 years | $-1,046 |
15 years | $606 |
17 years | $2,258 |
19 years | $3,910 |
21 years | $5,562 |
23 years | $7,214 |
25 years | $8,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Hornell
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Hornell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hornell
While the average cost of a solar system in Hornell is $11,783, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, 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 Hornell average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hornell to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Hornell’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $5,506 | 18.6 years |
8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,750 | 18.2 years |
10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,198 | 17.9 years |
12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,851 | 17.5 years |
14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $15,708 | 17.2 years |
16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $18,770 | 16.8 years |
18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $22,036 | 16.4 years |
20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $25,506 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Hornell, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model 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 deciding.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
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 Hornell, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hornell?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hornell?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Hornell?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.