Solar Panel Cost Guide in Horseheads, NY (2023 Update)
- Horseheads Solar Installation Cost: $9,518
- 25-Year Savings: $5,671
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Horseheads
We go over average solar pricing in Horseheads.
In Horseheads, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Horseheads homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Horseheads
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,692 |
| 3 years | $-7,040 |
| 5 years | $-5,388 |
| 7 years | $-3,736 |
| 9 years | $-2,085 |
| 11 years | $-433 |
| 13 years | $1,219 |
| 15 years | $2,871 |
| 17 years | $4,523 |
| 19 years | $6,175 |
| 21 years | $7,827 |
| 23 years | $9,478 |
| 25 years | $11,130 |
Top Solar Installers in Horseheads
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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
See all of the solar companies in Horseheads
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Horseheads
While the average cost of a solar system in Horseheads is $9,520, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 pay around $2,950 per kilowatt in Horseheads. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Horseheads average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Horseheads to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Horseheads, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $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
There are numerous companies to choose from in Horseheads, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 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 through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Horseheads, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Horseheads?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Horseheads?
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 can't take advantage of 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 making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.