Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillcrest, NY (2024 Update)
- Hillcrest Solar Installation Cost: $10,838
- 25-Year Savings: $18,340
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillcrest
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Hillcrest.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hillcrest it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Hillcrest is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,838 for a solar installation, or $15,498 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Hillcrest can save around $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillcrest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,497 |
| 3 years | $-6,815 |
| 5 years | $-4,133 |
| 7 years | $-1,452 |
| 9 years | $1,230 |
| 11 years | $3,912 |
| 13 years | $6,594 |
| 15 years | $9,275 |
| 17 years | $11,957 |
| 19 years | $14,639 |
| 21 years | $17,320 |
| 23 years | $20,002 |
| 25 years | $22,684 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillcrest
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
If you're looking for a solar company in Hillcrest, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Hillcrest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillcrest
The cost of installing a solar system in Hillcrest can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Hillcrest, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hillcrest is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $22,389 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $30,260 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $38,336 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $46,617 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $55,102 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $63,791 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $72,685 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $81,783 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Hillcrest, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hillcrest?
The average cost of solar panels in Hillcrest 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 such as the model 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 Hillcrest?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
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 Hillcrest is currently $785,321, so you can expect a value of about $32,198 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Hillcrest is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.