Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Cottage, NY (2024 Update)
- Valley Cottage Solar Installation Cost: $10,838
- 25-Year Savings: $18,340
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley Cottage
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Valley Cottage.
In Valley Cottage, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Valley Cottage homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,838 with the federal tax credit, or $15,498 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $24,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Valley Cottage find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Valley Cottage
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,497 |
| 3 years | $-6,815 |
| 5 years | $-4,133 |
| 7 years | $-1,452 |
| 9 years | $1,230 |
| 11 years | $3,912 |
| 13 years | $6,594 |
| 15 years | $9,275 |
| 17 years | $11,957 |
| 19 years | $14,639 |
| 21 years | $17,320 |
| 23 years | $20,002 |
| 25 years | $22,684 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley Cottage
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Valley Cottage
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Cottage
Although the average cost of a solar system in Valley Cottage is $10,838, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Valley Cottage, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Valley Cottage, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Valley Cottage have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 | $22,389 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $30,260 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $38,336 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $46,617 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $55,102 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $63,791 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $72,685 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $81,783 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Valley Cottage, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valley Cottage?
The average cost of solar panels in Valley Cottage 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Valley Cottage?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Valley Cottage. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Valley Cottage have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.