Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarence, NY (2024 Update)
- Clarence Solar Installation Cost: $11,696
- 25-Year Savings: $6,051
- Payback Period: 18.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarence
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Clarence.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Clarence, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Clarence is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,696 for a solar installation, or $16,725 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Clarence depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Clarence homeowner can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Clarence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,870 |
| 3 years | $-9,218 |
| 5 years | $-7,566 |
| 7 years | $-5,914 |
| 9 years | $-4,263 |
| 11 years | $-2,611 |
| 13 years | $-959 |
| 15 years | $693 |
| 17 years | $2,345 |
| 19 years | $3,997 |
| 21 years | $5,648 |
| 23 years | $7,300 |
| 25 years | $8,952 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarence
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll 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 Clarence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarence
The cost of installing a solar system in Clarence can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,650. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Clarence, where sunlight isn’t as 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clarence to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 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 solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Clarence, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $4,377 | 19.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $6,245 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $8,318 | 18.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $10,594 | 18.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $13,075 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $15,761 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $18,651 | 17.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $21,745 | 17.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Clarence, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Clarence, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Clarence?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Clarence?
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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.