Solar Panel Cost Guide in Richland, NY (Mar 2023)
- Richland Solar Installation Cost: $9,458
- 25-Year Savings: $6,749
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Richland
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Richland.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Richland generally cost around 2.95. The average solar panel system size in Richland is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,458 for a solar installation, or $13,525 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Richland based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Richland find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Richland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Richland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,809 |
| 3 years | $-7,513 |
| 5 years | $-6,216 |
| 7 years | $-4,920 |
| 9 years | $-3,623 |
| 11 years | $-2,327 |
| 13 years | $-1,030 |
| 15 years | $266 |
| 17 years | $1,563 |
| 19 years | $2,860 |
| 21 years | $4,156 |
| 23 years | $5,453 |
| 25 years | $6,749 |
Top Solar Installers in Richland
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration 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 identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Richland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Richland
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Richland: 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Richland to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Richland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $8,339 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,449 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,724 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $18,164 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $21,770 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $25,541 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $29,477 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $33,578 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Richland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Richland?
The average cost of solar panels in Richland is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Richland have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.