Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vernon, NY (Mar 2023)
- Vernon Solar Installation Cost: $9,540
- 25-Year Savings: $6,198
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vernon
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Vernon.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Vernon typically cost about 2.95. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Vernon, 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 how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Vernon homeowner can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vernon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,911 |
| 3 years | $-7,652 |
| 5 years | $-6,393 |
| 7 years | $-5,134 |
| 9 years | $-3,875 |
| 11 years | $-2,616 |
| 13 years | $-1,357 |
| 15 years | $-98 |
| 17 years | $1,162 |
| 19 years | $2,421 |
| 21 years | $3,680 |
| 23 years | $4,939 |
| 25 years | $6,198 |
Top Solar Installers in Vernon
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Vernon:
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 Vernon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vernon
For many Vernon homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vernon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require 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. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Vernon, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Vernon, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Vernon is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $7,554 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $10,403 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $13,417 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $16,596 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $19,940 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $23,449 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $27,123 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $30,963 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Vernon, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous 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
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 Vernon, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vernon?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Vernon?
You can't get solar panels for free in Vernon. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Vernon is currently $128,953, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,287 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Vernon is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.