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

  • Middletown Solar Installation Cost: $8,941
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,458
  • Payback Period: 8.8 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 Middletown

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Middletown.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Middletown typically cost around 2.95. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Middletown, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,941, or $12,786 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Middletown can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Middletown

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,925
3 years $-5,893
5 years $-3,861
7 years $-1,830
9 years $202
11 years $2,234
13 years $4,266
15 years $6,298
17 years $8,330
19 years $10,362
21 years $12,394
23 years $14,426
25 years $16,458

Top Solar Installers in Middletown

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Middletown

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown

For many Middletown homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Middletown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main 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 raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Middletown average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Middletown, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Middletown, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk 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 discount 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 $22,328 9.1 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $30,101 9.0 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $38,039 8.8 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $46,143 8.6 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $54,412 8.4 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $62,846 8.3 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $71,445 8.1 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $80,209 7.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.

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 Middletown, NY Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Middletown is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is it worth going solar in Middletown?

Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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