Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sidney, NY (2024 Update)

  • Sidney Solar Installation Cost: $11,754
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,301
  • Payback Period: 19.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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 Sidney

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Sidney.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sidney, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,754 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sidney homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Sidney can save about $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Sidney for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Sidney

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-10,928
3 years$-9,276
5 years$-7,624
7 years$-5,972
9 years$-4,320
11 years$-2,668
13 years$-1,017
15 years$635
17 years$2,287
19 years$3,939
21 years$5,591
23 years$7,243
25 years$8,894

Top Solar Installers in Sidney

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Sidney:

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

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

See all of the solar companies in Sidney

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sidney

For many Sidney homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sidney, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sidney, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Sidney, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, 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 panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.80$15,943$3,36020.6 years
8 kW$3.72$20,849$4,88920.3 years
10 kW$3.65$25,550$6,62219.9 years
12 kW$3.58$30,047$8,56019.5 years
14 kW$3.50$34,339$10,70219.1 years
16 kW$3.43$38,427$13,04818.7 years
18 kW$3.36$42,311$15,59918.3 years
20 kW$3.29$45,990$18,35417.9 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 brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • 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 big role in the company you hire.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Even though 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 the terms of the warranty.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

EcoWatch's Sidney, NY Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Sidney is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Sidney?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Sidney, 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 can help lower the cost.

How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Sidney, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.