Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clayton, NY (2024 Update)
- Clayton Solar Installation Cost: $11,775
- 25-Year Savings: $6,690
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clayton
We break down average solar pricing in Clayton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clayton, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Clayton, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,775, or $16,838 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Clayton homeowner can save about $13,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Clayton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,866 |
| 3 years | $-9,049 |
| 5 years | $-7,232 |
| 7 years | $-5,415 |
| 9 years | $-3,598 |
| 11 years | $-1,780 |
| 13 years | $37 |
| 15 years | $1,854 |
| 17 years | $3,671 |
| 19 years | $5,488 |
| 21 years | $7,305 |
| 23 years | $9,122 |
| 25 years | $10,940 |
Top Solar Installers in Clayton
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Clayton, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Clayton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clayton
For many Clayton homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Clayton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,650 per kilowatt in Clayton.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Clayton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Clayton offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Clayton, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may come across 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 larger companies.
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 | $5,157 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,285 | 18.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,617 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,154 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,895 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,841 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,990 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $24,345 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- 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 big role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 Clayton, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clayton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clayton 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 consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Clayton is currently $266,159, which means you could be looking at a value of about $10,913 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clayton is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.