Solar Panel Cost Guide in Viola, NY (2024 Update)
- Viola 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 Viola
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Viola.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Viola it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $10,838 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. 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 company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Viola homeowner can save about $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Viola
| 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 Viola
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another benefit of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar company in Viola, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Viola
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Viola
The cost of installing a solar system in Viola can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a role in determining how much it costs. Viola’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $3.80 | $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
There are a lot of companies available in Viola, 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:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Viola, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Viola?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Viola?
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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 buy 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.