Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, NY (2023 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $8,941
- 25-Year Savings: $18,158
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Chester.
The average cost of a solar system in Chester is 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Chester is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,941 for a solar installation, or $12,786 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Chester based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,857 |
| 3 years | $-5,690 |
| 5 years | $-3,522 |
| 7 years | $-1,354 |
| 9 years | $814 |
| 11 years | $2,982 |
| 13 years | $5,150 |
| 15 years | $7,318 |
| 17 years | $9,486 |
| 19 years | $11,654 |
| 21 years | $13,822 |
| 23 years | $15,990 |
| 25 years | $18,158 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Chester, optimizing your ROI.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
The cost of installing a solar system in Chester can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Chester provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Chester homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Chester's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Chester have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $24,684 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $33,243 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $41,967 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $50,856 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $59,910 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $69,129 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $78,514 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $88,063 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Chester, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chester?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Chester?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.