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

  • Chittenango Solar Installation Cost: $11,795
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,674
  • Payback Period: 18.2 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Chittenango

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Chittenango.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Chittenango is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,795 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Chittenango homeowner. The price 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 power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Chittenango see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Chittenango

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-10,887
3 years$-9,069
5 years$-7,252
7 years$-5,435
9 years$-3,618
11 years$-1,801
13 years$16
15 years$1,833
17 years$3,651
19 years$5,468
21 years$7,285
23 years$9,102
25 years$10,919

Top Solar Installers in Chittenango

Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Chittenango

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chittenango

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Chittenango: 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 panel system in Chittenango, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more 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 companies in Chittenango offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Chittenango, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.80$15,943$5,12118.9 years
8 kW$3.72$20,849$7,23618.6 years
10 kW$3.65$25,550$9,55718.2 years
12 kW$3.58$30,047$12,08117.8 years
14 kW$3.50$34,339$14,81017.5 years
16 kW$3.43$38,427$17,74317.1 years
18 kW$3.36$42,311$20,88116.7 years
20 kW$3.29$45,990$24,22316.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Chittenango, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.

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 Chittenango, NY Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional 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 less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will installing solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.