Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarence, NY (2023 Update)
- Clarence Solar Installation Cost: $9,453
- 25-Year Savings: $6,051
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarence
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Clarence.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clarence it's 2.95 per watt. The average Clarence homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,458 with the federal tax credit, or $13,525 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Clarence can save around $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clarence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,627 |
| 3 years | $-6,975 |
| 5 years | $-5,323 |
| 7 years | $-3,671 |
| 9 years | $-2,020 |
| 11 years | $-368 |
| 13 years | $1,284 |
| 15 years | $2,936 |
| 17 years | $4,588 |
| 19 years | $6,240 |
| 21 years | $7,891 |
| 23 years | $9,543 |
| 25 years | $11,195 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarence
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are various 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
See all of the solar companies in Clarence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarence
There are a number of factors that can play into 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Clarence, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Clarence, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $7,435 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $10,244 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $13,218 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $16,357 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $19,661 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $23,130 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $26,765 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $30,565 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Clarence, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clarence?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Clarence?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Clarence, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 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.