Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairview, NY (2023 Update)

  • Fairview Solar Installation Cost: $8,985
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,015
  • Payback Period: 10.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Fairview

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fairview.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fairview, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fairview is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,983 for a solar installation, or $12,846 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Fairview homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Fairview for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Fairview

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,722
3 years $-5,196
5 years $-2,669
7 years $-143
9 years $2,384
11 years $4,910
13 years $7,436
15 years $9,963
17 years $12,489
19 years $15,016
21 years $17,542
23 years $20,068
25 years $22,595

Top Solar Installers in Fairview

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

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 Fairview

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairview

For many Fairview homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fairview, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Fairview average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Fairview homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $17,451 10.6 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $23,599 10.4 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $29,912 10.2 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $36,389 10.0 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $43,033 9.8 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $49,841 9.6 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $56,814 9.4 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $63,953 9.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences 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:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.

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 Fairview, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairview?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Fairview?

You can't get solar panels for free in Fairview. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Fairview?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How long do solar panels last in Fairview?

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.

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