Solar Panel Cost Guide in Athens, NY (2023 Update)
- Athens Solar Installation Cost: $9,189
- 25-Year Savings: $10,880
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Athens.
In Athens, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average Athens homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,189 with the federal tax credit, or $13,140 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Athens can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Athens for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Athens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,386 |
| 3 years | $-6,781 |
| 5 years | $-5,175 |
| 7 years | $-3,570 |
| 9 years | $-1,964 |
| 11 years | $-359 |
| 13 years | $1,247 |
| 15 years | $2,852 |
| 17 years | $4,458 |
| 19 years | $6,063 |
| 21 years | $7,669 |
| 23 years | $9,274 |
| 25 years | $10,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Athens
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Athens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens
The cost of installing a solar system in Athens can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,950 per kilowatt in Athens. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Athens average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Athens, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases 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 possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Athens is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.07 | $12,886 | $14,169 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $19,222 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $24,441 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $29,824 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $35,373 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $41,087 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $46,967 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $53,011 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Athens, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- 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.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Athens, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Athens?
The average cost of solar panels in Athens is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 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 it better to lease or buy solar panels in Athens?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $901.81 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.