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

  • Sullivan Solar Installation Cost: $11,795
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,322
  • Payback Period: 18.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Sullivan

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sullivan.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sullivan, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Sullivan, the average price of going solar will be about $11,795 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Sullivan for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Sullivan

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,914
3 years $-9,152
5 years $-7,390
7 years $-5,628
9 years $-3,866
11 years $-2,104
13 years $-342
15 years $1,420
17 years $3,182
19 years $4,944
21 years $6,706
23 years $8,468
25 years $10,230

Top Solar Installers in Sullivan

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

See all of the solar companies in Sullivan

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sullivan

Though the average cost of a solar system in Sullivan is $11,795, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,650 per kilowatt in Sullivan.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sullivan, 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

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sullivan to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sullivan is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 $3.80 $15,943 $4,664 19.3 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $6,627 19.0 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $8,795 18.6 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $11,167 18.2 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $13,743 17.9 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $16,524 17.5 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $19,510 17.1 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $22,699 16.7 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 picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

EcoWatch's Sullivan, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sullivan?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sullivan?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get 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 financial benefits from going solar.

Is going 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.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 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.

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