Solar Panel Cost Guide in Unadilla, NY (2024 Update)
- Unadilla Solar Installation Cost: $11,722
- 25-Year Savings: $5,326
- Payback Period: 19.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Unadilla
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Unadilla.
The average cost of a solar system in Unadilla is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,722 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Unadilla depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $12,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Unadilla find investing in solar can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Unadilla, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Unadilla
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,896 |
| 3 years | $-9,245 |
| 5 years | $-7,593 |
| 7 years | $-5,941 |
| 9 years | $-4,289 |
| 11 years | $-2,637 |
| 13 years | $-985 |
| 15 years | $667 |
| 17 years | $2,318 |
| 19 years | $3,970 |
| 21 years | $5,622 |
| 23 years | $7,274 |
| 25 years | $8,926 |
Top Solar Installers in Unadilla
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Unadilla
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Unadilla
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Unadilla: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,650 per kilowatt in Unadilla.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Unadilla, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Unadilla homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Unadilla’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Unadilla have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $3,412 | 20.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $4,958 | 20.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $6,708 | 19.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $8,663 | 19.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $10,822 | 19.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $13,186 | 18.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $15,754 | 18.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $18,526 | 17.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Unadilla, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
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 Unadilla, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Unadilla?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Unadilla?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Unadilla. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.