Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Elba, NY (2025 Update)
- North Elba Solar Installation Cost: $11,859
- 25-Year Savings: $5,440
- Payback Period: 19.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Elba
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in North Elba.
The average cost of a solar system in North Elba is 4 per watt.The average North Elba homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,859 with the federal tax credit, or $16,958 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in North Elba depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in North Elba, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Elba
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,978 |
| 3 years | $-9,216 |
| 5 years | $-7,454 |
| 7 years | $-5,692 |
| 9 years | $-3,930 |
| 11 years | $-2,168 |
| 13 years | $-406 |
| 15 years | $1,356 |
| 17 years | $3,119 |
| 19 years | $4,881 |
| 21 years | $6,643 |
| 23 years | $8,405 |
| 25 years | $10,167 |
Top Solar Installers in North Elba
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of going with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Elba
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Elba
While the average cost of a solar system in North Elba is $11,859, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.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 choose 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 in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Elba average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Elba to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in North Elba know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $3,479 | 20.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,048 | 20.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $6,821 | 19.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $8,799 | 19.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $10,980 | 18.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $13,367 | 18.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $15,957 | 18.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $18,752 | 17.8 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- 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 past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's North Elba, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Elba?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in North Elba?
A solar panel system isn’t free in North Elba, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
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 go for 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 North Elba?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.