Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lee, NY (2023 Update)
- Lee Solar Installation Cost: $9,540
- 25-Year Savings: $6,667
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lee
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Lee.
In Lee, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average Lee homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,540 with the federal tax credit, or $13,642 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Lee depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Lee see about $13,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Lee for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Lee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,892 |
| 3 years | $-7,595 |
| 5 years | $-6,299 |
| 7 years | $-5,002 |
| 9 years | $-3,706 |
| 11 years | $-2,409 |
| 13 years | $-1,113 |
| 15 years | $184 |
| 17 years | $1,480 |
| 19 years | $2,777 |
| 21 years | $4,074 |
| 23 years | $5,370 |
| 25 years | $6,667 |
Top Solar Installers in Lee
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost 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
See all of the solar companies in Lee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lee
The cost of installing a solar system in Lee can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Lee, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Lee, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Lee, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $8,163 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,215 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,432 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $17,814 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $21,361 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $25,073 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $28,951 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $32,994 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Lee, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Lee, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lee?
The average cost of solar panels in Lee is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lee?
You can't get solar panels for free in Lee. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $701.64 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.