Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, NY (2024 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $11,058
- 25-Year Savings: $18,162
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
We break down average solar pricing in Chester.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chester it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Chester is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,058 for a solar installation, or $15,813 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Chester depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Chester homeowner can save about $24,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Chester that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,717 |
| 3 years | $-7,035 |
| 5 years | $-4,353 |
| 7 years | $-1,671 |
| 9 years | $1,010 |
| 11 years | $3,692 |
| 13 years | $6,374 |
| 15 years | $9,055 |
| 17 years | $11,737 |
| 19 years | $14,419 |
| 21 years | $17,101 |
| 23 years | $19,782 |
| 25 years | $22,464 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
There are many factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,650 per kilowatt in Chester.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Chester, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Chester homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $21,627 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $29,245 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $37,067 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $45,093 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $53,324 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $61,759 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $70,399 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $79,243 | 9.2 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. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Chester, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Chester?
Solar panels aren’t free in Chester, 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 you can take advantage of.
Does Chester have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.