Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scotchtown, NY (2023 Update)

  • Scotchtown Solar Installation Cost: $8,937
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,613
  • Payback Period: 9.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scotchtown

We break down average solar pricing in Scotchtown.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Scotchtown it's 2.95 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Scotchtown, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,941, or $12,786 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. With average savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Scotchtown find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.

To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Scotchtown, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Scotchtown

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,674
3 years $-5,147
5 years $-2,621
7 years $-95
9 years $2,432
11 years $4,958
13 years $7,485
15 years $10,011
17 years $12,537
19 years $15,064
21 years $17,590
23 years $20,117
25 years $22,643

Top Solar Installers in Scotchtown

Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Scotchtown, thereby optimizing your ROI.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Scotchtown:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Scotchtown

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scotchtown

There are many criteria that can play into your total 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 cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Scotchtown homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Scotchtown's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering 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 $21,150 9.5 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $28,530 9.3 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $36,076 9.1 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $43,787 8.9 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $51,663 8.7 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $59,704 8.6 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $67,910 8.4 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $76,282 8.2 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. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 good reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Scotchtown, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scotchtown?

The average cost of solar panels in Scotchtown 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Scotchtown have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.

How long do solar panels last in Scotchtown?

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 higher 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.

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