Solar Panel Cost Guide in Oswego, NY (2023 Update)

  • Oswego Solar Installation Cost: $9,458
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,289
  • Payback Period: 14.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Oswego

We break down average solar pricing in Oswego.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Oswego, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.95 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $9,458 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Oswego homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Oswego homeowner can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Oswego for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Oswego

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,788
3 years $-7,448
5 years $-6,108
7 years $-4,769
9 years $-3,429
11 years $-2,089
13 years $-750
15 years $590
17 years $1,930
19 years $3,270
21 years $4,609
23 years $5,949
25 years $7,289

Top Solar Installers in Oswego

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Oswego

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Oswego

The cost of installing a solar system in Oswego can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest 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. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Oswego, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Oswego homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Oswego's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Oswego 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 $9,045 14.7 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $12,391 14.4 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $15,902 14.1 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $19,578 13.8 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $23,419 13.6 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $27,425 13.3 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $31,597 13.0 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $35,933 12.7 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 selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While 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 ask for their list of options before making your decision.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Oswego, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Oswego?

The average cost of solar panels in Oswego 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.

Are solar panels free in Oswego?

A solar panel system isn't free in Oswego, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase your property's value 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% with a solar installation."

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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