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

  • Marcellus Solar Installation Cost: $9,561
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,943
  • Payback Period: 15.4 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 Marcellus

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Marcellus.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Marcellus, the average cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Marcellus, the average price of going solar will be about $9,561 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Marcellus homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Marcellus homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Marcellus for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Marcellus

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,941
3 years $-7,701
5 years $-6,460
7 years $-5,220
9 years $-3,980
11 years $-2,739
13 years $-1,499
15 years $-259
17 years $981
19 years $2,222
21 years $3,462
23 years $4,702
25 years $5,943

Top Solar Installers in Marcellus

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

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 Marcellus

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marcellus

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Marcellus: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Marcellus, 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

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Marcellus is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to 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 $3.07 $12,886 $7,197 16.0 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $9,926 15.7 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $12,820 15.4 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $15,880 15.1 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $19,105 14.8 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $22,495 14.5 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $26,050 14.2 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $29,771 13.9 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • 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 good reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.

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 Marcellus, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Marcellus?

This is a hard 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Marcellus?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How long do solar panels last in Marcellus?

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 larger 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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