Solar Panel Cost Guide in Seneca Falls, NY (2024 Update)
- Seneca Falls Solar Installation Cost: $11,850
- 25-Year Savings: $5,692
- Payback Period: 19.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Seneca Falls
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Seneca Falls.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Seneca Falls it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,850 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Seneca Falls homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Seneca Falls find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Seneca Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,996 |
| 3 years | $-9,289 |
| 5 years | $-7,582 |
| 7 years | $-5,876 |
| 9 years | $-4,169 |
| 11 years | $-2,462 |
| 13 years | $-755 |
| 15 years | $952 |
| 17 years | $2,659 |
| 19 years | $4,366 |
| 21 years | $6,073 |
| 23 years | $7,780 |
| 25 years | $9,487 |
Top Solar Installers in Seneca Falls
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Seneca Falls, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Seneca Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Seneca Falls
Although the average cost of a solar system in Seneca Falls is $11,850, your actual cost may differ. There are several 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 price of solar panels in Seneca Falls, one of the most crucial 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Seneca Falls, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Seneca Falls, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $3,810 | 20.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,489 | 19.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,372 | 19.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $9,460 | 19.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $11,752 | 18.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $14,248 | 18.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $16,949 | 17.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $19,854 | 17.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Seneca Falls, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Seneca Falls?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, 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 Seneca Falls?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Seneca Falls, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.