Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mechanicstown, NY (2023 Update)
- Mechanicstown Solar Installation Cost: $8,937
- 25-Year Savings: $18,162
- Payback Period: 8.2 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 Mechanicstown
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Mechanicstown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mechanicstown it's 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.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Mechanicstown homeowner can save about $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mechanicstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,847 |
| 3 years | $-8,666 |
| 5 years | $-8,485 |
| 7 years | $-8,305 |
| 9 years | $-8,124 |
| 11 years | $-7,943 |
| 13 years | $-7,763 |
| 15 years | $-7,582 |
| 17 years | $-7,401 |
| 19 years | $-7,221 |
| 21 years | $-7,040 |
| 23 years | $-6,859 |
| 25 years | $-6,679 |
Top Solar Installers in Mechanicstown
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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
See all of the solar companies in Mechanicstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mechanicstown
For many Mechanicstown homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mechanicstown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably 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 about $2,950. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mechanicstown average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular 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. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Mechanicstown homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
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 PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Mechanicstown are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes 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 Mechanicstown, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mechanicstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Mechanicstown is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mechanicstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Does Mechanicstown have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.