Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lee, NY (2025 Update)
- Lee Solar Installation Cost: $11,803
- 25-Year Savings: $6,667
- Payback Period: 18.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lee
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Lee.
In Lee, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $11,803 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Lee based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Lee see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Lee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,895 |
| 3 years | $-9,078 |
| 5 years | $-7,261 |
| 7 years | $-5,443 |
| 9 years | $-3,626 |
| 11 years | $-1,809 |
| 13 years | $8 |
| 15 years | $1,825 |
| 17 years | $3,642 |
| 19 years | $5,459 |
| 21 years | $7,277 |
| 23 years | $9,094 |
| 25 years | $10,911 |
Top Solar Installers in Lee
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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
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 Lee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lee
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Lee: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Lee, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Lee to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Lee’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $5,106 | 18.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,217 | 18.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $9,532 | 18.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $12,051 | 17.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $14,775 | 17.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $17,704 | 17.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $20,836 | 16.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $24,174 | 16.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Lee, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lee?
The average cost of solar panels in Lee is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type 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 Lee?
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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.