Solar Panel Cost Guide in Viola, NY (2023 Update)

  • Viola Solar Installation Cost: $8,759
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,340
  • Payback Period: 8.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Viola

We go over average solar pricing in Viola.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Viola, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Viola is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,756 for a solar installation, or $12,521 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Viola homeowner can save about $24,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Viola, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Viola

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,418
3 years $-4,737
5 years $-2,055
7 years $627
9 years $3,309
11 years $5,990
13 years $8,672
15 years $11,354
17 years $14,035
19 years $16,717
21 years $19,399
23 years $22,081
25 years $24,762

Top Solar Installers in Viola

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Viola

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Viola

There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines 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 energy needs. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea 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

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Viola's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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

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 have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • 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 expectations you should have about the cost.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Viola, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Viola?

The average cost of solar panels in Viola is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Viola?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Viola is currently $549,549, which means you can expect a value of about $22,532 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Viola is a fruitful investment.

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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.

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