Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Elmira, NY (2024 Update)
- West Elmira Solar Installation Cost: $11,776
- 25-Year Savings: $5,282
- Payback Period: 19.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Elmira
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Elmira.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in West Elmira typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in West Elmira is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,776 for a solar installation, or $16,840 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $12,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Elmira find going solar can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in West Elmira, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Elmira
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,950 |
| 3 years | $-9,298 |
| 5 years | $-7,647 |
| 7 years | $-5,995 |
| 9 years | $-4,343 |
| 11 years | $-2,691 |
| 13 years | $-1,039 |
| 15 years | $613 |
| 17 years | $2,264 |
| 19 years | $3,916 |
| 21 years | $5,568 |
| 23 years | $7,220 |
| 25 years | $8,872 |
Top Solar Installers in West Elmira
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 West Elmira
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Elmira
While the average cost of a solar system in West Elmira is $11,776, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable 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 that have greater 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. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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 in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $3,323 | 20.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $4,839 | 20.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $6,560 | 19.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $8,485 | 19.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $10,615 | 19.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $12,949 | 18.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $15,487 | 18.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $18,230 | 17.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 positive reviews from past customers.
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 West Elmira, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Elmira?
The average cost of solar panels in West Elmira 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $642.20 per year.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.