Solar Panel Cost Guide in Seneca Falls, NY (Mar 2023)
- Seneca Falls Solar Installation Cost: $9,582
- 25-Year Savings: $5,687
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Seneca Falls
We go over average solar pricing in Seneca Falls.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Seneca Falls typically cost about 2.95. The average solar panel system size in Seneca Falls is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,582 for a solar installation, or $13,702 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Seneca Falls based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 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 Seneca Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,971 |
| 3 years | $-7,749 |
| 5 years | $-6,528 |
| 7 years | $-5,306 |
| 9 years | $-4,085 |
| 11 years | $-2,863 |
| 13 years | $-1,642 |
| 15 years | $-420 |
| 17 years | $801 |
| 19 years | $2,023 |
| 21 years | $3,244 |
| 23 years | $4,466 |
| 25 years | $5,687 |
Top Solar Installers in Seneca Falls
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Seneca Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Seneca Falls
There are several factors that can affect your solar panel 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
One of the most important 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 pay around $2,950 per kilowatt in Seneca Falls. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space 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 extra equipment 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 a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Seneca Falls, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $6,868 | 16.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $9,487 | 16.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $12,272 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $15,222 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $18,337 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $21,618 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $25,063 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $28,674 | 14.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Seneca Falls, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Seneca Falls?
The average cost of solar panels in Seneca Falls is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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 certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.