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

  • Hornellsville Solar Installation Cost: $9,520
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,830
  • Payback Period: 14.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 Hornellsville

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Hornellsville.

In Hornellsville, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $9,520 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Hornellsville can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Hornellsville

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,866
3 years $-7,558
5 years $-6,250
7 years $-4,942
9 years $-3,634
11 years $-2,326
13 years $-1,018
15 years $290
17 years $1,598
19 years $2,906
21 years $4,214
23 years $5,522
25 years $6,830

Top Solar Installers in Hornellsville

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Hornellsville:

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 Hornellsville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hornellsville

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Hornellsville is $9,520, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,950. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Hornellsville, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hornellsville homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Hornellsville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 $8,386 15.1 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $11,512 14.9 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $14,803 14.6 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $18,259 14.3 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $21,880 14.0 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $25,667 13.7 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $29,619 13.4 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $33,736 13.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, 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 considerable role in the company you choose.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.

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 Hornellsville, NY Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Hornellsville is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Hornellsville?

You can't get solar panels for free in Hornellsville. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $709.06 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 amount 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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