Solar Panel Cost Guide in Champion, NY (2024 Update)
- Champion Solar Installation Cost: $11,775
- 25-Year Savings: $6,690
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Champion
We go over average solar pricing in Champion.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Champion, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Champion, the average price of going solar will be about $11,775 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Champion homeowner can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Champion, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Champion
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,866 |
| 3 years | $-9,049 |
| 5 years | $-7,232 |
| 7 years | $-5,415 |
| 9 years | $-3,598 |
| 11 years | $-1,780 |
| 13 years | $37 |
| 15 years | $1,854 |
| 17 years | $3,671 |
| 19 years | $5,488 |
| 21 years | $7,305 |
| 23 years | $9,122 |
| 25 years | $10,940 |
Top Solar Installers in Champion
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and expertise. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Champion
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Champion
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Champion: 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 cost of a solar energy system in Champion, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Champion provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Champion, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Champion know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $5,157 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,285 | 18.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,617 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,154 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,895 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,841 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,990 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $24,345 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Champion, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Champion?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Champion?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 get the most savings.
Does Champion have a net metering program?
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 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 level 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.