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

  • Canton Solar Installation Cost: $12,141
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,395
  • Payback Period: 18.7 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

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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 Canton

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Canton.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Canton, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $12,141 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Canton homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Canton for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Canton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,232
3 years $-9,415
5 years $-7,598
7 years $-5,781
9 years $-3,964
11 years $-2,147
13 years $-329
15 years $1,488
17 years $3,305
19 years $5,122
21 years $6,939
23 years $8,756
25 years $10,574

Top Solar Installers in Canton

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

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 Canton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Canton

The cost of installing a solar system in Canton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Canton, one of the most important 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Canton average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Canton, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Canton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Canton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $4,521 19.5 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $6,437 19.1 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $8,557 18.7 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $10,881 18.4 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $13,410 18.0 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $16,144 17.6 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $19,082 17.2 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $22,224 16.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.

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 Canton, NY Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Canton?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Canton?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.

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