Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thornwood, NY (2024 Update)
- Thornwood Solar Installation Cost: $10,696
- 25-Year Savings: $24,695
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thornwood
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Thornwood.
In Thornwood, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 4.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Thornwood, the average price of going solar will be about $10,696 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember 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 solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $30,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thornwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,816 |
| 3 years | $-5,057 |
| 5 years | $-1,298 |
| 7 years | $2,462 |
| 9 years | $6,221 |
| 11 years | $9,981 |
| 13 years | $13,740 |
| 15 years | $17,499 |
| 17 years | $21,259 |
| 19 years | $25,018 |
| 21 years | $28,777 |
| 23 years | $32,537 |
| 25 years | $36,296 |
Top Solar Installers in Thornwood
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Thornwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thornwood
The cost of installing a solar system in Thornwood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,650. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only 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 out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Thornwood, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $31,840 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $42,863 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $54,089 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $65,520 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $77,156 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $88,995 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $101,040 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $113,288 | 7.2 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 selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- 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 be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Thornwood, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Thornwood?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Thornwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,592.78 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Thornwood?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.