Solar Panel Cost Guide in Camillus, NY (2024 Update)

  • Camillus Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
  • 25-Year Savings: $5,622
  • Payback Period: 19.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Camillus

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Camillus.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Camillus it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,835 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Camillus can save about $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Camillus for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Camillus

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-10,997
3 years$-9,322
5 years$-7,646
7 years$-5,971
9 years$-4,295
11 years$-2,620
13 years$-944
15 years$731
17 years$2,407
19 years$4,082
21 years$5,758
23 years$7,433
25 years$9,109

Top Solar Installers in Camillus

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Another upside of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Camillus:

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 Camillus

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Camillus

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Camillus: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Camillus, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Camillus homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Camillus, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.80$15,943$3,72920.3 years
8 kW$3.72$20,849$5,38019.9 years
10 kW$3.65$25,550$7,23619.5 years
12 kW$3.58$30,047$9,29719.1 years
14 kW$3.50$34,339$11,56118.7 years
16 kW$3.43$38,427$14,03118.3 years
18 kW$3.36$42,311$16,70417.9 years
20 kW$3.29$45,990$19,58217.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 Camillus, NY Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Camillus 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Camillus?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Camillus, 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?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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.