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

  • Chautauqua Solar Installation Cost: $11,849
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,630
  • Payback Period: 18.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Chautauqua

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Chautauqua.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chautauqua typically cost about 4.The average Chautauqua homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,849 with the federal tax credit, or $16,944 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Chautauqua homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Chautauqua homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Chautauqua, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Chautauqua

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,940
3 years $-9,123
5 years $-7,306
7 years $-5,489
9 years $-3,672
11 years $-1,855
13 years $-38
15 years $1,780
17 years $3,597
19 years $5,414
21 years $7,231
23 years $9,048
25 years $10,865

Top Solar Installers in Chautauqua

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Chautauqua, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Chautauqua

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chautauqua

For many Chautauqua homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chautauqua, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chautauqua average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Chautauqua homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 $5,025 19.0 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $7,109 18.6 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $9,397 18.3 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $11,889 17.9 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $14,586 17.5 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $17,488 17.2 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $20,594 16.8 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $23,904 16.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.

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 Chautauqua, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chautauqua?

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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Chautauqua?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Chautauqua. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chautauqua is currently $531,840, so you can expect a value of about $21,805 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chautauqua is a fruitful investment.

How long do solar panels last in Chautauqua?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.

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