Solar Panel Cost Guide in Utica, NY (2023 Update)
- Utica Solar Installation Cost: $9,540
- 25-Year Savings: $6,667
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Utica
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Utica.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Utica it's 2.95 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Utica, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $9,540, or $13,642 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Utica find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Utica for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Utica
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,892 |
| 3 years | $-7,595 |
| 5 years | $-6,299 |
| 7 years | $-5,002 |
| 9 years | $-3,706 |
| 11 years | $-2,409 |
| 13 years | $-1,113 |
| 15 years | $184 |
| 17 years | $1,480 |
| 19 years | $2,777 |
| 21 years | $4,074 |
| 23 years | $5,370 |
| 25 years | $6,667 |
Top Solar Installers in Utica
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Utica, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Utica
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Utica
The cost of installing a solar system in Utica can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Utica average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Utica offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's wise to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Utica's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $8,163 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,215 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,432 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $17,814 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $21,361 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $25,073 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $28,951 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $32,994 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting 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 need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Utica, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Utica?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Utica?
A solar panel system isn't free in Utica, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Utica?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.