Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsford, NY (2024 Update)

  • Pittsford Solar Installation Cost: $10,653
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,522
  • Payback Period: 15.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Pittsford

We go over average solar pricing in Pittsford.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pittsford typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Pittsford is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,653 for a solar installation, or $15,234 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Pittsford, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Pittsford

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,746
3 years $-7,933
5 years $-6,120
7 years $-4,306
9 years $-2,493
11 years $-680
13 years $1,133
15 years $2,947
17 years $4,760
19 years $6,573
21 years $8,386
23 years $10,199
25 years $12,013

Top Solar Installers in Pittsford

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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 Pittsford

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsford

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Pittsford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far 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 Pittsford to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, 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 amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Pittsford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 $3.80 $15,943 $8,711 16.2 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $12,023 15.9 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $15,540 15.5 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $19,261 15.2 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $23,187 14.9 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $27,317 14.6 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $31,651 14.3 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $36,190 14.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

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 Pittsford, NY Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pittsford?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Does Pittsford have a net metering program?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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