Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scotchtown, NY (Mar 2023)
- Scotchtown Solar Installation Cost: $8,941
- 25-Year Savings: $15,609
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scotchtown
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Scotchtown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Scotchtown it's 2.95 per watt. The average Scotchtown homeowner needs a 4.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,941 with the federal tax credit, or $12,786 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Scotchtown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,959 |
| 3 years | $-5,995 |
| 5 years | $-4,031 |
| 7 years | $-2,067 |
| 9 years | $-103 |
| 11 years | $1,861 |
| 13 years | $3,825 |
| 15 years | $5,789 |
| 17 years | $7,753 |
| 19 years | $9,717 |
| 21 years | $11,681 |
| 23 years | $13,645 |
| 25 years | $15,609 |
Top Solar Installers in Scotchtown
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Scotchtown:
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 Scotchtown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scotchtown
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Scotchtown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type 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 come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Scotchtown to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Scotchtown homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. Scotchtown's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Scotchtown are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $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 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 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 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 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.