Solar Panel Cost Guide in Potsdam, NY (2024 Update)
- Potsdam Solar Installation Cost: $12,141
- 25-Year Savings: $6,395
- Payback Period: 18.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Potsdam
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Potsdam.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Potsdam, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Potsdam is around 4.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,141 for a solar installation, or $17,362 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Potsdam find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Potsdam
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,232 |
| 3 years | $-9,415 |
| 5 years | $-7,598 |
| 7 years | $-5,781 |
| 9 years | $-3,964 |
| 11 years | $-2,147 |
| 13 years | $-329 |
| 15 years | $1,488 |
| 17 years | $3,305 |
| 19 years | $5,122 |
| 21 years | $6,939 |
| 23 years | $8,756 |
| 25 years | $10,574 |
Top Solar Installers in Potsdam
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Potsdam, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Potsdam
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Potsdam
There are many criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
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 pay about $3,650 per kilowatt in Potsdam.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Potsdam, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Potsdam to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact the cost. Potsdam’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $4,521 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,437 | 19.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,557 | 18.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,881 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,410 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,144 | 17.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,082 | 17.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $22,224 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Potsdam, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Potsdam?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Potsdam?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Potsdam. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.