Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange Lake, NY (Mar 2023)
- Orange Lake Solar Installation Cost: $8,941
- 25-Year Savings: $13,159
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange Lake
We go over average solar pricing 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. The average solar panel system size in Orange Lake is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,941 for a solar installation, or $12,786 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Orange Lake find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
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 Orange Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,057 |
| 3 years | $-6,289 |
| 5 years | $-4,521 |
| 7 years | $-2,753 |
| 9 years | $-985 |
| 11 years | $783 |
| 13 years | $2,551 |
| 15 years | $4,319 |
| 17 years | $6,087 |
| 19 years | $7,855 |
| 21 years | $9,623 |
| 23 years | $11,391 |
| 25 years | $13,159 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange Lake
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 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 is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Orange Lake. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Orange Lake to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Orange Lake's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Orange Lake 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 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Orange Lake, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Orange Lake?
The average cost of solar panels in Orange Lake is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Orange Lake?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.