Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ulster, NY (Mar 2023)
- Ulster Solar Installation Cost: $9,003
- 25-Year Savings: $12,997
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ulster
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ulster.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ulster it's 2.95 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $9,003 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Ulster homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Ulster can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ulster
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,123 |
| 3 years | $-6,363 |
| 5 years | $-4,603 |
| 7 years | $-2,843 |
| 9 years | $-1,083 |
| 11 years | $677 |
| 13 years | $2,437 |
| 15 years | $4,197 |
| 17 years | $5,957 |
| 19 years | $7,717 |
| 21 years | $9,477 |
| 23 years | $11,237 |
| 25 years | $12,997 |
Top Solar Installers in Ulster
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Ulster, optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Ulster:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Ulster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ulster
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Ulster is $9,003, 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 keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Ulster. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ulster, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Ulster provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Ulster homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ulster is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $17,396 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $23,526 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $29,820 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $36,280 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $42,905 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $49,695 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $56,650 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $63,770 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Ulster, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Ulster, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ulster?
The average cost of solar panels in Ulster is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ulster?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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 home 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Ulster is currently $201,703, which means you can look forward to a value of about $8,270 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Ulster is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Ulster?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to 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.