Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stillwater, NY (2024 Update)
- Stillwater Solar Installation Cost: $11,457
- 25-Year Savings: $6,244
- Payback Period: 18.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stillwater
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Stillwater.
In Stillwater, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Stillwater, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,457, or $16,384 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Stillwater find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Stillwater for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Stillwater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,631 |
| 3 years | $-8,979 |
| 5 years | $-7,327 |
| 7 years | $-5,675 |
| 9 years | $-4,023 |
| 11 years | $-2,372 |
| 13 years | $-720 |
| 15 years | $932 |
| 17 years | $2,584 |
| 19 years | $4,236 |
| 21 years | $5,888 |
| 23 years | $7,540 |
| 25 years | $9,191 |
Top Solar Installers in Stillwater
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Another upside of working with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Stillwater:
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
See all of the solar companies in Stillwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stillwater
For many Stillwater homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Stillwater, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably 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 affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge 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 Stillwater, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Stillwater homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Stillwater, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Stillwater know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $4,802 | 19.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,811 | 18.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,025 | 18.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,443 | 18.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,066 | 17.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,893 | 17.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,924 | 17.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,160 | 16.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind 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.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
EcoWatch's Stillwater, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stillwater?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Stillwater?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Stillwater. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Stillwater is currently $343,140, so you can look forward to a value of about $14,069 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Stillwater is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Stillwater?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.