Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsford, NY (Mar 2023)
- Pittsford Solar Installation Cost: $8,611
- 25-Year Savings: $8,521
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsford
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Pittsford.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pittsford generally cost around 2.95. The average solar panel system size in Pittsford is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,611 for a solar installation, or $12,314 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Pittsford that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pittsford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,926 |
| 3 years | $-6,555 |
| 5 years | $-5,185 |
| 7 years | $-3,814 |
| 9 years | $-2,444 |
| 11 years | $-1,073 |
| 13 years | $298 |
| 15 years | $1,668 |
| 17 years | $3,039 |
| 19 years | $4,409 |
| 21 years | $5,780 |
| 23 years | $7,150 |
| 25 years | $8,521 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsford
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Pittsford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsford
The cost of installing a solar system in Pittsford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Pittsford, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Pittsford to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Pittsford homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Pittsford's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,768 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $16,022 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $20,440 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $25,023 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $29,772 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $34,686 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $39,765 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $45,010 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Pittsford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 good reviews from previous customers.
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 Pittsford, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pittsford?
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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Pittsford?
Each state has some kind 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 power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Pittsford?
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.