Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Vernon, NY (Mar 2023)
- Mount Vernon Solar Installation Cost: $8,652
- 25-Year Savings: $24,687
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Vernon
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Mount Vernon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mount Vernon it's 2.95 per watt. The average Mount Vernon homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,652 with the federal tax credit, or $12,372 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $30,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Mount Vernon for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Mount Vernon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,319 |
| 3 years | $-4,652 |
| 5 years | $-1,984 |
| 7 years | $683 |
| 9 years | $3,350 |
| 11 years | $6,017 |
| 13 years | $8,684 |
| 15 years | $11,351 |
| 17 years | $14,019 |
| 19 years | $16,686 |
| 21 years | $19,353 |
| 23 years | $22,020 |
| 25 years | $24,687 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Vernon
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions 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 Mount Vernon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Vernon
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,950 per kilowatt in Mount Vernon. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Mount Vernon average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Mount Vernon, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Mount Vernon, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $34,898 | 6.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $46,861 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $58,989 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $71,283 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $83,741 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $96,365 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $109,154 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $122,108 | 5.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Mount Vernon, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mount Vernon?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mount Vernon?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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 property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Mount Vernon is currently $384,503, which means you could be looking at a value of about $15,765 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Mount Vernon is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.