Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarkson, NY (2023 Update)
- Clarkson Solar Installation Cost: $8,610
- 25-Year Savings: $7,957
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarkson
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Clarkson.
In Clarkson, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.2-kW system would cost about $8,611 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Clarkson depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Clarkson see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clarkson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,701 |
| 3 years | $-5,884 |
| 5 years | $-4,067 |
| 7 years | $-2,250 |
| 9 years | $-433 |
| 11 years | $1,385 |
| 13 years | $3,202 |
| 15 years | $5,019 |
| 17 years | $6,836 |
| 19 years | $8,653 |
| 21 years | $10,470 |
| 23 years | $12,287 |
| 25 years | $14,105 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarkson
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company 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
See all of the solar companies in Clarkson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarkson
Although the average cost of a solar system in Clarkson is $8,611, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Clarkson. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Clarkson, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and better 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,955 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $14,937 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $19,084 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $23,397 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $27,874 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $32,517 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $37,325 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $42,298 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Clarkson, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clarkson?
The average cost of solar panels in Clarkson is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Clarkson?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably 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 a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger amount 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.