Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rhinebeck, NY (2023 Update)
- Rhinebeck Solar Installation Cost: $8,983
- 25-Year Savings: $13,018
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rhinebeck
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Rhinebeck.
In Rhinebeck, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. Because a 4.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Rhinebeck, the average price of going solar will be about $8,983 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rhinebeck homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rhinebeck
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,103 |
| 3 years | $-6,343 |
| 5 years | $-4,583 |
| 7 years | $-2,823 |
| 9 years | $-1,063 |
| 11 years | $697 |
| 13 years | $2,458 |
| 15 years | $4,218 |
| 17 years | $5,978 |
| 19 years | $7,738 |
| 21 years | $9,498 |
| 23 years | $11,258 |
| 25 years | $13,018 |
Top Solar Installers in Rhinebeck
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Rhinebeck, we've put together 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 Rhinebeck
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rhinebeck
There are several criteria that can affect your 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
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,950. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rhinebeck is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Rhinebeck 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 help you save 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 available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Rhinebeck, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rhinebeck?
The average cost of solar panels in Rhinebeck is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,011.23 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 level 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.