Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chenango, NY (2024 Update)
- Chenango Solar Installation Cost: $11,857
- 25-Year Savings: $5,217
- Payback Period: 20.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chenango
We break down average solar pricing in Chenango.
In Chenango, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Chenango homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,857 with the federal tax credit, or $16,956 before the 0 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 exact cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $12,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Chenango, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chenango
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,031 |
| 3 years | $-9,380 |
| 5 years | $-7,728 |
| 7 years | $-6,076 |
| 9 years | $-4,424 |
| 11 years | $-2,772 |
| 13 years | $-1,120 |
| 15 years | $531 |
| 17 years | $2,183 |
| 19 years | $3,835 |
| 21 years | $5,487 |
| 23 years | $7,139 |
| 25 years | $8,791 |
Top Solar Installers in Chenango
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Chenango:
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 Chenango
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chenango
The cost of installing a solar system in Chenango can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chenango average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Chenango homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Chenango, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides 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 | $3,191 | 20.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $4,664 | 20.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $6,341 | 20.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $8,222 | 19.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $10,308 | 19.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $12,598 | 18.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $15,092 | 18.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $17,791 | 18.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Chenango, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Chenango, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chenango?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Chenango, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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.