Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northumberland, NY (2024 Update)
- Northumberland Solar Installation Cost: $11,457
- 25-Year Savings: $6,385
- Payback Period: 18.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Northumberland
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Northumberland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Northumberland it’s 4 per watt.Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Northumberland, the average price of going solar will be about $11,457 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Northumberland homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Northumberland can save around $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Northumberland for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Northumberland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,603 |
| 3 years | $-8,896 |
| 5 years | $-7,189 |
| 7 years | $-5,482 |
| 9 years | $-3,775 |
| 11 years | $-2,068 |
| 13 years | $-362 |
| 15 years | $1,345 |
| 17 years | $3,052 |
| 19 years | $4,759 |
| 21 years | $6,466 |
| 23 years | $8,173 |
| 25 years | $9,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Northumberland
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Northumberland, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Northumberland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northumberland
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Northumberland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly 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 generation use 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 $3,650.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Northumberland, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Northumberland offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.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 principal 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 last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Northumberland, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $4,990 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,062 | 18.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,339 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,820 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,505 | 17.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,395 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,489 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,787 | 16.5 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good 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: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Northumberland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Northumberland?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
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 home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably 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% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Northumberland?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.