Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarkson, NY (2024 Update)
- Clarkson Solar Installation Cost: $10,653
- 25-Year Savings: $7,957
- Payback Period: 16.1 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 Clarkson
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Clarkson.
In Clarkson, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Clarkson is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,653 for a solar installation, or $15,234 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 exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Clarkson homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Clarkson for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Clarkson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,744 |
| 3 years | $-7,927 |
| 5 years | $-6,110 |
| 7 years | $-4,293 |
| 9 years | $-2,476 |
| 11 years | $-658 |
| 13 years | $1,159 |
| 15 years | $2,976 |
| 17 years | $4,793 |
| 19 years | $6,610 |
| 21 years | $8,427 |
| 23 years | $10,244 |
| 25 years | $12,062 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarkson
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Clarkson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarkson
Although the average cost of a solar system in Clarkson is $10,653, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,650. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Clarkson, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Clarkson, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides 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 | $7,897 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $10,939 | 16.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $14,184 | 16.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $17,634 | 15.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $21,289 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $25,147 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $29,211 | 14.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $33,478 | 14.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Clarkson, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clarkson?
The average cost of solar panels in Clarkson 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Clarkson?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Clarkson?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.