Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scotia, NY (Mar 2023)
- Scotia Solar Installation Cost: $9,189
- 25-Year Savings: $7,018
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scotia
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Scotia.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Scotia, the average cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. Since a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Scotia, the average price of going solar will be about $9,189 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Scotia see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Scotia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,541 |
| 3 years | $-7,244 |
| 5 years | $-5,948 |
| 7 years | $-4,651 |
| 9 years | $-3,355 |
| 11 years | $-2,058 |
| 13 years | $-762 |
| 15 years | $535 |
| 17 years | $1,832 |
| 19 years | $3,128 |
| 21 years | $4,425 |
| 23 years | $5,721 |
| 25 years | $7,018 |
Top Solar Installers in Scotia
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Scotia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scotia
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Scotia: 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Scotia. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Scotia, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Scotia, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Scotia homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Scotia, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and 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 access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $8,983 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $12,308 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $15,798 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $19,454 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $23,274 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $27,260 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $31,411 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $35,727 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Scotia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Scotia, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scotia?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Scotia?
Solar panels aren't free in Scotia, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Scotia?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.