Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chili, NY (2024 Update)
- Chili Solar Installation Cost: $10,653
- 25-Year Savings: $8,272
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chili
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Chili.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chili it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Chili is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,653 for a solar installation, or $15,234 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Chili homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Chili
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,745 |
| 3 years | $-7,930 |
| 5 years | $-6,115 |
| 7 years | $-4,299 |
| 9 years | $-2,484 |
| 11 years | $-669 |
| 13 years | $1,147 |
| 15 years | $2,962 |
| 17 years | $4,777 |
| 19 years | $6,592 |
| 21 years | $8,408 |
| 23 years | $10,223 |
| 25 years | $12,038 |
Top Solar Installers in Chili
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Chili
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chili
Although the average cost of a solar system in Chili is $10,653, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Chili, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Chili, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Chili’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $8,350 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $11,542 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $14,939 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $18,540 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $22,345 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $26,355 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $30,569 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $34,988 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Chili, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Chili, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chili?
The average cost of solar panels in Chili 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chili is currently $251,492, so you can expect a value of about $10,311 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chili is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Chili?
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 higher amount 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.