Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Castle, NY (2023 Update)

  • North Castle Solar Installation Cost: $8,645
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,987
  • Payback Period: 7.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 North Castle

We break down average solar pricing in North Castle.

In North Castle, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average North Castle 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.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average North Castle homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high upfront cost, the average North Castle homeowner can save about $27,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in North Castle that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in North Castle

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,546
3 years $-8,348
5 years $-8,151
7 years $-7,953
9 years $-7,756
11 years $-7,558
13 years $-7,361
15 years $-7,163
17 years $-6,966
19 years $-6,768
21 years $-6,571
23 years $-6,373
25 years $-6,175

Top Solar Installers in North Castle

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in North Castle:

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 North Castle

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Castle

There are many factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,950 per kilowatt in North Castle. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in North Castle, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 $29,584 7.6 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $39,775 7.4 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $50,132 7.3 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $60,654 7.1 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $71,341 7.0 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $82,194 6.9 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $93,211 6.7 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $104,394 6.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.

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 North Castle, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Castle?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout North Castle, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

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