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

  • Scriba Solar Installation Cost: $9,461
  • 25-Year Savings: $7,286
  • Payback Period: 14.1 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Scriba

Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Scriba.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Scriba, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Scriba, the average price of going solar will be about $9,458 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 panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few 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 homeowners in Scriba see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Scriba

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,405
3 years $-9,293
5 years $-9,182
7 years $-9,070
9 years $-8,959
11 years $-8,847
13 years $-8,735
15 years $-8,624
17 years $-8,512
19 years $-8,400
21 years $-8,289
23 years $-8,177
25 years $-8,065

Top Solar Installers in Scriba

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Scriba

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scriba

While the average cost of a solar system in Scriba is $9,458, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Scriba, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Scriba homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Scriba, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $9,045 14.7 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $12,391 14.4 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $15,902 14.1 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $19,578 13.8 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $23,419 13.6 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $27,425 13.3 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $31,597 13.0 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $35,933 12.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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.

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 Scriba, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Scriba?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Scriba?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Scriba is currently $100,588, which means you can look forward to a value of about $4,124 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Scriba is a worthwhile investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.

Follow us