Solar Panel Cost Guide in Horseheads, NY (2024 Update)
- Horseheads Solar Installation Cost: $11,776
- 25-Year Savings: $8,872
- Payback Period: 19.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Horseheads
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Horseheads.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Horseheads, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Horseheads, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,776, or $16,840 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Horseheads can save around $13,000 on their energy 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 Horseheads
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,950 |
| 3 years | $-9,298 |
| 5 years | $-7,647 |
| 7 years | $-5,995 |
| 9 years | $-4,343 |
| 11 years | $-2,691 |
| 13 years | $-1,039 |
| 15 years | $613 |
| 17 years | $2,264 |
| 19 years | $3,916 |
| 21 years | $5,568 |
| 23 years | $7,220 |
| 25 years | $8,872 |
Top Solar Installers in Horseheads
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Horseheads
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Horseheads
For many Horseheads homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Horseheads, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require 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.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Horseheads, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Horseheads homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better 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 down 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $3,829 | 20.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,515 | 19.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,404 | 19.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $9,498 | 19.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $11,797 | 18.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $14,299 | 18.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $17,007 | 17.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $19,918 | 17.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Horseheads, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Horseheads?
The average cost of solar panels in Horseheads 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Horseheads?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 it worth going solar in Horseheads?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.