Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tioga, NY (2024 Update)
- Tioga Solar Installation Cost: $11,808
- 25-Year Savings: $4,844
- Payback Period: 20.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tioga
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Tioga.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Tioga typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Tioga is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,808 for a solar installation, or $16,885 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Tioga based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Tioga homeowner can save about $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Tioga, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tioga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,982 |
| 3 years | $-9,331 |
| 5 years | $-7,679 |
| 7 years | $-6,027 |
| 9 years | $-4,375 |
| 11 years | $-2,723 |
| 13 years | $-1,071 |
| 15 years | $580 |
| 17 years | $2,232 |
| 19 years | $3,884 |
| 21 years | $5,536 |
| 23 years | $7,188 |
| 25 years | $8,840 |
Top Solar Installers in Tioga
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Tioga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tioga
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Tioga: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Tioga, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Tioga’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 go with the company that provides 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 | $2,735 | 21.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $4,056 | 20.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $5,581 | 20.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $7,310 | 20.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $9,244 | 19.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $11,382 | 19.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $13,724 | 18.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $16,271 | 18.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Tioga, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tioga?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Tioga?
Solar panels aren’t free in Tioga, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.