Solar Panel Cost Guide in Skaneateles, NY (2024 Update)
- Skaneateles Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
- 25-Year Savings: $6,017
- Payback Period: 19.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Skaneateles
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Skaneateles.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Skaneateles it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Skaneateles is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,835 for a solar installation, or $16,924 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Skaneateles homeowner can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Skaneateles, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Skaneateles
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,981 |
| 3 years | $-9,274 |
| 5 years | $-7,567 |
| 7 years | $-5,860 |
| 9 years | $-4,153 |
| 11 years | $-2,447 |
| 13 years | $-740 |
| 15 years | $967 |
| 17 years | $2,674 |
| 19 years | $4,381 |
| 21 years | $6,088 |
| 23 years | $7,795 |
| 25 years | $9,502 |
Top Solar Installers in Skaneateles
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Skaneateles
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Skaneateles
Though the average cost of a solar system in Skaneateles is $11,835, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Skaneateles, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $4,240 | 19.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,062 | 19.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,089 | 19.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,320 | 18.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $12,756 | 18.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $15,395 | 17.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $18,240 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $21,288 | 17.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Skaneateles, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Skaneateles, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Skaneateles?
The average cost of solar panels in Skaneateles is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Skaneateles?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Skaneateles?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.