Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clay, NY (2024 Update)

  • Clay Solar Installation Cost: $11,835
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,601
  • Payback Period: 18.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clay

We break down average solar pricing in Clay.

In Clay, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Clay, the average price of going solar will be about $11,835 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Clay homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Clay see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Clay

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,940
3 years $-9,150
5 years $-7,361
7 years $-5,571
9 years $-3,782
11 years $-1,992
13 years $-202
15 years $1,587
17 years $3,377
19 years $5,166
21 years $6,956
23 years $8,746
25 years $10,535

Top Solar Installers in Clay

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Clay, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Clay

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clay

There are a number of criteria that can influence 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 system.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Clay, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Clay, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clay to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.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’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Clay, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $4,997 19.0 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $7,072 18.7 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $9,351 18.3 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $11,834 17.9 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $14,522 17.6 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $17,414 17.2 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $20,510 16.8 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $23,811 16.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: 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 how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Clay, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clay?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Clay?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.

How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly 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 solar panels."

How long do solar panels last in Clay?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.

Follow us