Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chautauqua, NY (Mar 2023)
- Chautauqua Solar Installation Cost: $9,582
- 25-Year Savings: $6,625
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chautauqua
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Chautauqua.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Chautauqua is 2.95 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $9,582 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chautauqua
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,933 |
| 3 years | $-7,637 |
| 5 years | $-6,340 |
| 7 years | $-5,044 |
| 9 years | $-3,747 |
| 11 years | $-2,451 |
| 13 years | $-1,154 |
| 15 years | $143 |
| 17 years | $1,439 |
| 19 years | $2,736 |
| 21 years | $4,032 |
| 23 years | $5,329 |
| 25 years | $6,625 |
Top Solar Installers in Chautauqua
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Chautauqua
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chautauqua
For many Chautauqua homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chautauqua, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,950 per kilowatt in Chautauqua. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chautauqua average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Chautauqua, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Chautauqua is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Chautauqua know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $8,083 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,107 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,297 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $17,652 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $21,172 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $24,857 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $28,708 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $32,724 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Chautauqua, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chautauqua?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Chautauqua?
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 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.
Does Chautauqua have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Chautauqua?
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.