Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charlton, NY (2024 Update)
- Charlton Solar Installation Cost: $11,457
- 25-Year Savings: $6,596
- Payback Period: 18.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charlton
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Charlton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Charlton, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Charlton is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,457 for a solar installation, or $16,384 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Charlton can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Charlton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Charlton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,576 |
| 3 years | $-8,814 |
| 5 years | $-7,052 |
| 7 years | $-5,289 |
| 9 years | $-3,527 |
| 11 years | $-1,765 |
| 13 years | $-3 |
| 15 years | $1,759 |
| 17 years | $3,521 |
| 19 years | $5,283 |
| 21 years | $7,045 |
| 23 years | $8,807 |
| 25 years | $10,569 |
Top Solar Installers in Charlton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Charlton:
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 Charlton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charlton
There are several factors 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 does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Charlton, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Charlton, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Charlton, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Charlton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $5,272 | 18.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,439 | 18.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,809 | 18.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,384 | 17.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $15,164 | 17.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $18,148 | 17.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $21,336 | 16.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $24,729 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Charlton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Charlton, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Charlton?
The average cost of solar panels in Charlton is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Charlton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Charlton?
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.