Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charlton, NY (2023 Update)
- Charlton Solar Installation Cost: $9,251
- 25-Year Savings: $6,604
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charlton
We go over average solar pricing in Charlton.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Charlton typically cost about 2.95. The average solar panel system size in Charlton is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,251 for a solar installation, or $13,229 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Charlton homeowner can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Charlton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Charlton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,617 |
| 3 years | $-7,349 |
| 5 years | $-6,080 |
| 7 years | $-4,812 |
| 9 years | $-3,543 |
| 11 years | $-2,275 |
| 13 years | $-1,006 |
| 15 years | $262 |
| 17 years | $1,530 |
| 19 years | $2,799 |
| 21 years | $4,067 |
| 23 years | $5,336 |
| 25 years | $6,604 |
Top Solar Installers in Charlton
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Charlton, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Charlton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charlton
The cost of installing a solar system in Charlton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Charlton, 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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
Most solar companies in Charlton offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Charlton is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $8,330 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,437 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,709 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $18,147 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $21,749 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $25,517 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $29,450 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $33,549 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
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 Charlton, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Charlton?
The average cost of solar panels in Charlton 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Charlton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.