Solar Panel Cost Guide in Athens, NY (2024 Update)
- Athens Solar Installation Cost: $11,372
- 25-Year Savings: $10,878
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Athens
We break down average solar pricing in Athens.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Athens it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Athens, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,372, or $16,262 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Athens homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Athens that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Athens
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,109 |
| 3 years | $-7,582 |
| 5 years | $-5,056 |
| 7 years | $-2,530 |
| 9 years | $-3 |
| 11 years | $2,523 |
| 13 years | $5,050 |
| 15 years | $7,576 |
| 17 years | $10,102 |
| 19 years | $12,629 |
| 21 years | $15,155 |
| 23 years | $17,682 |
| 25 years | $20,208 |
Top Solar Installers in Athens
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. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another great thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Athens
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Athens
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Athens: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Athens, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Athens, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Athens’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $11,111 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $15,224 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $19,541 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $24,062 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $28,788 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $33,718 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $38,852 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $44,191 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer 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.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 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 $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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Athens?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Athens, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Athens, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.