Solar Panel Cost Guide in Poughkeepsie, NY (2023 Update)
- Poughkeepsie Solar Installation Cost: $8,985
- 25-Year Savings: $13,015
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Poughkeepsie
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Poughkeepsie.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Poughkeepsie it's 2.95 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Poughkeepsie, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,983, or $12,846 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Poughkeepsie based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Poughkeepsie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,912 |
| 3 years | $-8,765 |
| 5 years | $-8,619 |
| 7 years | $-8,472 |
| 9 years | $-8,325 |
| 11 years | $-8,179 |
| 13 years | $-8,032 |
| 15 years | $-7,885 |
| 17 years | $-7,738 |
| 19 years | $-7,592 |
| 21 years | $-7,445 |
| 23 years | $-7,298 |
| 25 years | $-7,152 |
Top Solar Installers in Poughkeepsie
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Poughkeepsie, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Poughkeepsie:
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 Poughkeepsie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Poughkeepsie
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Poughkeepsie: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,950 per kilowatt in Poughkeepsie. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Poughkeepsie, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Poughkeepsie is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Poughkeepsie have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $17,451 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $23,599 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $29,912 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $36,389 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $43,033 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $49,841 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $56,814 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $63,953 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- 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 most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Poughkeepsie, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Poughkeepsie?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Poughkeepsie?
A solar panel system isn't free in Poughkeepsie, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Poughkeepsie is currently $247,969, which means you can look forward to a value of about $10,167 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Poughkeepsie is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Poughkeepsie?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.