Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wheatland, NY (2024 Update)
- Wheatland Solar Installation Cost: $10,653
- 25-Year Savings: $7,957
- Payback Period: 16.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wheatland
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Wheatland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Wheatland it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Wheatland is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,653 for a solar installation, or $15,234 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Wheatland based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Wheatland homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Wheatland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wheatland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,744 |
| 3 years | $-7,927 |
| 5 years | $-6,110 |
| 7 years | $-4,293 |
| 9 years | $-2,476 |
| 11 years | $-658 |
| 13 years | $1,159 |
| 15 years | $2,976 |
| 17 years | $4,793 |
| 19 years | $6,610 |
| 21 years | $8,427 |
| 23 years | $10,244 |
| 25 years | $12,062 |
Top Solar Installers in Wheatland
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Wheatland:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Wheatland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wheatland
There are several 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 installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need 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 $3,650.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Wheatland average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Wheatland to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Wheatland, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $7,897 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $10,939 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $14,184 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $17,634 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $21,289 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $25,147 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $29,211 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $33,478 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Wheatland, 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:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Wheatland, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wheatland?
This is a tough 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Wheatland?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wheatland is currently $251,905, so you could be looking at a value of about $10,328 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wheatland is a worthwhile 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 larger 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.