Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Cottage, NY (Mar 2023)
- Valley Cottage Solar Installation Cost: $8,756
- 25-Year Savings: $18,344
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley Cottage
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Valley Cottage.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Valley Cottage, the average cost of solar panels is 2.95 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Valley Cottage, most homeowners require a 4.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,756, or $12,521 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valley Cottage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,672 |
| 3 years | $-5,504 |
| 5 years | $-3,336 |
| 7 years | $-1,168 |
| 9 years | $1,000 |
| 11 years | $3,168 |
| 13 years | $5,336 |
| 15 years | $7,504 |
| 17 years | $9,672 |
| 19 years | $11,840 |
| 21 years | $14,008 |
| 23 years | $16,176 |
| 25 years | $18,344 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley Cottage
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Valley Cottage:
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 Valley Cottage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Cottage
Though the average cost of a solar system in Valley Cottage is $8,756, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Valley Cottage, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Valley Cottage homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Valley Cottage, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $25,446 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $34,259 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $43,236 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $52,379 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $61,687 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $71,161 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $80,799 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $90,603 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Valley Cottage, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, 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 Valley Cottage, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valley Cottage?
The average cost of solar panels in Valley Cottage 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.