Solar Panel Cost Guide in Onondaga, NY (Jan 2023)
- Onondaga Solar Installation Cost: $9,561
- 25-Year Savings: $5,984
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Onondaga
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Onondaga.
In Onondaga, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.6 would cost about $9,561 before the 30% federal solar 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. With average savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Onondaga find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Onondaga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,939 |
| 3 years | $-7,696 |
| 5 years | $-6,452 |
| 7 years | $-5,208 |
| 9 years | $-3,965 |
| 11 years | $-2,721 |
| 13 years | $-1,478 |
| 15 years | $-234 |
| 17 years | $1,010 |
| 19 years | $2,253 |
| 21 years | $3,497 |
| 23 years | $4,740 |
| 25 years | $5,984 |
Top Solar Installers in Onondaga
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Onondaga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Onondaga
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Onondaga: 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 panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require 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 $2,950. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Onondaga, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Onondaga to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Onondaga, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Onondaga are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.07 | $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 solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Onondaga, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Onondaga?
This is a tough 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my property 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 Onondaga is currently $150,242, so you can expect a value of about $6,160 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Onondaga is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.