Solar Panel Cost Guide in Athens, NY (2024 Update)
- Athens Solar Installation Cost: $11,372
- 25-Year Savings: $10,878
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens
We break down average solar pricing in Athens.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Athens it’s 4 per watt.The average Athens homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,372 with the federal tax credit, or $16,262 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Athens homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Athens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,109 |
| 3 years | $-7,582 |
| 5 years | $-5,056 |
| 7 years | $-2,530 |
| 9 years | $-3 |
| 11 years | $2,523 |
| 13 years | $5,050 |
| 15 years | $7,576 |
| 17 years | $10,102 |
| 19 years | $12,629 |
| 21 years | $15,155 |
| 23 years | $17,682 |
| 25 years | $20,208 |
Top Solar Installers in Athens
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Athens:
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 Athens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens
Although the average cost of a solar system in Athens is $11,372, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment is more than 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Athens offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Athens homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Athens is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $11,111 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $15,224 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $19,541 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $24,062 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $28,788 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $33,718 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $38,852 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $44,191 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Athens, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Athens?
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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Athens?
Solar panels aren’t free in Athens, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Athens, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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.