Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clayton, NY (2024 Update)
- Clayton Solar Installation Cost: $11,775
- 25-Year Savings: $6,690
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clayton
We break down average solar pricing in Clayton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Clayton it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Clayton, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,775, or $16,838 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $13,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Clayton find going solar can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Clayton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clayton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,866 |
| 3 years | $-9,049 |
| 5 years | $-7,232 |
| 7 years | $-5,415 |
| 9 years | $-3,598 |
| 11 years | $-1,780 |
| 13 years | $37 |
| 15 years | $1,854 |
| 17 years | $3,671 |
| 19 years | $5,488 |
| 21 years | $7,305 |
| 23 years | $9,122 |
| 25 years | $10,940 |
Top Solar Installers in Clayton
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Clayton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clayton
There are several criteria that can determine your solar system 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 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,650 per kilowatt in Clayton.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Clayton, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Clayton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Clayton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk 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 companies.
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 | $5,157 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,285 | 18.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,617 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,154 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,895 | 17.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,841 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,990 | 16.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $24,345 | 16.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 good reviews from previous customers.
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 Clayton, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clayton?
The average cost of solar panels in Clayton is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Clayton is currently $266,159, which means you can look forward to a value of about $10,913 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Clayton is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Clayton?
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 higher level 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.