Solar Panel Cost Guide in Champlain, NY (2024 Update)
- Champlain Solar Installation Cost: $11,879
- 25-Year Savings: $3,845
- Payback Period: 22.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Champlain
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Champlain.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Champlain generally cost about 4.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Champlain, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,879, or $16,987 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Champlain that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Champlain
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,053 |
| 3 years | $-9,402 |
| 5 years | $-7,750 |
| 7 years | $-6,098 |
| 9 years | $-4,446 |
| 11 years | $-2,794 |
| 13 years | $-1,142 |
| 15 years | $509 |
| 17 years | $2,161 |
| 19 years | $3,813 |
| 21 years | $5,465 |
| 23 years | $7,117 |
| 25 years | $8,769 |
Top Solar Installers in Champlain
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Champlain:
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 Champlain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Champlain
The cost of installing a solar system in Champlain can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,650. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Champlain, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Champlain homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.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 upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Champlain, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $1,408 | 23.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $2,286 | 22.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $3,369 | 22.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $4,656 | 21.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $6,147 | 21.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $7,843 | 20.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $9,743 | 20.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $11,847 | 19.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence 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 consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign 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 Champlain, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Champlain?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Champlain, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy 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.