Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ulster, NY (2025 Update)
- Ulster Solar Installation Cost: $11,137
- 25-Year Savings: $12,999
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ulster
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ulster.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ulster generally cost about 4.Because a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Ulster, the average price of going solar will be about $11,137 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Ulster depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Ulster homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Ulster, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ulster
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-9,874 |
3 years | $-7,348 |
5 years | $-4,821 |
7 years | $-2,295 |
9 years | $231 |
11 years | $2,758 |
13 years | $5,284 |
15 years | $7,810 |
17 years | $10,337 |
19 years | $12,863 |
21 years | $15,390 |
23 years | $17,916 |
25 years | $20,442 |
Top Solar Installers in Ulster
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Ulster
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ulster
There are several factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect the cost. Ulster’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $14,339 | 13.2 years |
8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $19,527 | 12.9 years |
10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $24,920 | 12.7 years |
12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $30,517 | 12.4 years |
14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $36,319 | 12.1 years |
16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $42,325 | 11.9 years |
18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $48,535 | 11.6 years |
20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $54,950 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 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 $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ulster?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 savings from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my 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 $386,551, which means you could be looking at a value of about $15,849 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?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production 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.