Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange Lake, NY (2023 Update)

  • Orange Lake Solar Installation Cost: $8,937
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,163
  • Payback Period: 10.1 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 Orange Lake

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Orange Lake.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Orange Lake it's 2.95 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.3-kW system would cost about $8,941 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Orange Lake find going solar can pay off big.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Orange Lake

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,674
3 years $-5,147
5 years $-2,621
7 years $-95
9 years $2,432
11 years $4,958
13 years $7,485
15 years $10,011
17 years $12,537
19 years $15,064
21 years $17,590
23 years $20,117
25 years $22,643

Top Solar Installers in Orange Lake

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Orange Lake

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange Lake

The cost of installing a solar system in Orange Lake can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,950. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Orange Lake average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Orange Lake, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 $17,753 10.5 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $24,002 10.3 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $30,415 10.1 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $36,994 9.9 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $43,737 9.7 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $50,646 9.5 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $57,721 9.3 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $64,960 9.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Orange Lake, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.

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 Orange Lake, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orange Lake?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Orange Lake?

You can't get solar panels for free in Orange Lake. 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'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Orange Lake, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 get 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.

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