Solar Panel Cost Guide in Medford, NY (Mar 2023)
- Medford Solar Installation Cost: $8,033
- 25-Year Savings: $14,338
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Medford
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Medford.
The average cost of a solar system in Medford is 2.95 per watt. Because a 3.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Medford, the average price of going solar will be about $8,033 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Medford homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Medford for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Medford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,138 |
| 3 years | $-5,348 |
| 5 years | $-3,559 |
| 7 years | $-1,769 |
| 9 years | $21 |
| 11 years | $1,810 |
| 13 years | $3,600 |
| 15 years | $5,390 |
| 17 years | $7,179 |
| 19 years | $8,969 |
| 21 years | $10,759 |
| 23 years | $12,548 |
| 25 years | $14,338 |
Top Solar Installers in Medford
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and expertise. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Medford:
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 Medford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Medford
There are many criteria that can play into your solar system 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 variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher 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 kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Medford homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Medford's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $21,650 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $29,197 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $36,909 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $44,786 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $52,829 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $61,037 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $69,410 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $77,948 | 8.1 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully 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: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid 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.
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 Medford, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Medford?
The average cost of solar panels in Medford 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Medford?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.