Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mechanicstown, NY (2023 Update)
- Mechanicstown Solar Installation Cost: $8,941
- 25-Year Savings: $18,158
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mechanicstown
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Mechanicstown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mechanicstown, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Mechanicstown is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,941 for a solar installation, or $12,786 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Mechanicstown based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $24,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Mechanicstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,857 |
| 3 years | $-5,690 |
| 5 years | $-3,522 |
| 7 years | $-1,354 |
| 9 years | $814 |
| 11 years | $2,982 |
| 13 years | $5,150 |
| 15 years | $7,318 |
| 17 years | $9,486 |
| 19 years | $11,654 |
| 21 years | $13,822 |
| 23 years | $15,990 |
| 25 years | $18,158 |
Top Solar Installers in Mechanicstown
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Mechanicstown, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Mechanicstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mechanicstown
There are several factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main 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 $2,950. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Mechanicstown, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Mechanicstown is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing 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 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 | $24,684 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $33,243 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $41,967 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $50,856 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $59,910 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $69,129 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $78,514 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $88,063 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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 type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
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 Mechanicstown, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mechanicstown?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mechanicstown?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.