Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chautauqua, NY (2024 Update)
- Chautauqua Solar Installation Cost: $11,849
- 25-Year Savings: $6,630
- Payback Period: 18.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chautauqua
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Chautauqua.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chautauqua typically cost about 4.Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Chautauqua, the average price of going solar will be about $11,849 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Chautauqua homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $13,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chautauqua find going solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Chautauqua, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chautauqua
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,940 |
| 3 years | $-9,123 |
| 5 years | $-7,306 |
| 7 years | $-5,489 |
| 9 years | $-3,672 |
| 11 years | $-1,855 |
| 13 years | $-38 |
| 15 years | $1,780 |
| 17 years | $3,597 |
| 19 years | $5,414 |
| 21 years | $7,231 |
| 23 years | $9,048 |
| 25 years | $10,865 |
Top Solar Installers in Chautauqua
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be challenging. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Chautauqua
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chautauqua
There are many criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Chautauqua, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Chautauqua, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk 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 discount 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $5,025 | 19.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,109 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,397 | 18.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,889 | 17.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,586 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,488 | 17.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,594 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,904 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Chautauqua, 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:
- 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 like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Chautauqua, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chautauqua?
The average cost of solar panels in Chautauqua is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Chautauqua?
Solar panels aren’t free in Chautauqua, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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 solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Chautauqua?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.