Solar Panel Cost Guide in Horseheads, NY (Mar 2023)
- Horseheads Solar Installation Cost: $9,520
- 25-Year Savings: $5,669
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Horseheads
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Horseheads.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Horseheads is 2.95 per watt. The average Horseheads homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,520 with the federal tax credit, or $13,614 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Horseheads homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Horseheads, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Horseheads
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,912 |
| 3 years | $-7,697 |
| 5 years | $-6,482 |
| 7 years | $-5,267 |
| 9 years | $-4,052 |
| 11 years | $-2,836 |
| 13 years | $-1,621 |
| 15 years | $-406 |
| 17 years | $809 |
| 19 years | $2,024 |
| 21 years | $3,239 |
| 23 years | $4,454 |
| 25 years | $5,669 |
Top Solar Installers in Horseheads
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Horseheads
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Horseheads
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Horseheads: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment consists of 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 solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Horseheads, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $6,887 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $9,513 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $12,304 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $15,261 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $18,382 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $21,669 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $25,121 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $28,738 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Horseheads, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Horseheads?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Horseheads?
You can't get solar panels for free in Horseheads. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.