Solar Panel Cost Guide in Collins, NY (2025 Update)
- Collins Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
- 25-Year Savings: $6,352
- Payback Period: 18.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Collins
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Collins.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Collins typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,696 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Collins homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Collins homeowner can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Collins, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Collins
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,820 |
| 3 years | $-9,069 |
| 5 years | $-7,318 |
| 7 years | $-5,567 |
| 9 years | $-3,816 |
| 11 years | $-2,065 |
| 13 years | $-314 |
| 15 years | $1,437 |
| 17 years | $3,188 |
| 19 years | $4,939 |
| 21 years | $6,690 |
| 23 years | $8,441 |
| 25 years | $10,192 |
Top Solar Installers in Collins
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Collins:
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 Collins
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Collins
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Collins: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Collins is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $4,773 | 19.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,772 | 18.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,976 | 18.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $11,385 | 18.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,997 | 17.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $16,815 | 17.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $19,836 | 17.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $23,062 | 16.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
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 Collins, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Collins?
The average cost of solar panels in Collins 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Collins?
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 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Collins?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Collins?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.