Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsford, NY (2023 Update)
- Pittsford Solar Installation Cost: $8,610
- 25-Year Savings: $8,522
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsford
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Pittsford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pittsford, the average cost of solar panels is 2.95 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Pittsford, most homeowners require a 4.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,611, or $12,314 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Pittsford homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Pittsford can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installation company in Pittsford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pittsford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,553 |
| 3 years | $-8,438 |
| 5 years | $-8,324 |
| 7 years | $-8,210 |
| 9 years | $-8,096 |
| 11 years | $-7,982 |
| 13 years | $-7,867 |
| 15 years | $-7,753 |
| 17 years | $-7,639 |
| 19 years | $-7,525 |
| 21 years | $-7,410 |
| 23 years | $-7,296 |
| 25 years | $-7,182 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsford
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Pittsford, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Pittsford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsford
For many Pittsford homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Pittsford, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Pittsford average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Pittsford provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Pittsford, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully 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 part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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.