Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ithaca, NY (2024 Update)

  • Ithaca Solar Installation Cost: $11,905
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,178
  • Payback Period: 20.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Ithaca

See how much it might cost to go solar in Ithaca.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ithaca, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Ithaca, the average price of going solar will be about $11,905 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Ithaca based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Ithaca

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,080
3 years $-9,428
5 years $-7,776
7 years $-6,124
9 years $-4,472
11 years $-2,820
13 years $-1,169
15 years $483
17 years $2,135
19 years $3,787
21 years $5,439
23 years $7,091
25 years $8,743

Top Solar Installers in Ithaca

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Ithaca

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ithaca

For many Ithaca homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ithaca, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need, 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 around $3,650. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Ithaca have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Ithaca’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $3,114 20.9 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $4,560 20.5 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $6,212 20.1 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $8,067 19.7 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $10,127 19.3 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $12,391 18.9 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $14,860 18.5 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $17,533 18.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Ithaca, 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: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.

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 Ithaca, NY Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Ithaca 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ithaca?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Ithaca, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

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 level 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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