Solar Panel Cost Guide in Onondaga, NY (2023 Update)
- Onondaga Solar Installation Cost: $9,565
- 25-Year Savings: $5,980
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Onondaga
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Onondaga.
The average cost of a solar system in Onondaga is 2.95 per watt. The average Onondaga homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,561 with the federal tax credit, or $13,672 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Onondaga can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Onondaga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,687 |
| 3 years | $-6,929 |
| 5 years | $-5,172 |
| 7 years | $-3,415 |
| 9 years | $-1,658 |
| 11 years | $99 |
| 13 years | $1,856 |
| 15 years | $3,613 |
| 17 years | $5,370 |
| 19 years | $7,127 |
| 21 years | $8,884 |
| 23 years | $10,641 |
| 25 years | $12,398 |
Top Solar Installers in Onondaga
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Onondaga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Onondaga
The cost of installing a solar system in Onondaga can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Onondaga homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Onondaga, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $7,250 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $9,998 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $12,910 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $15,987 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $19,230 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $22,638 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $26,211 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $29,950 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Onondaga, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Onondaga?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Onondaga?
You can't get solar panels for free in Onondaga. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.