Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Hill, NY (2024 Update)
- South Hill Solar Installation Cost: $11,905
- 25-Year Savings: $5,178
- Payback Period: 20.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Hill
We break down average solar pricing in South Hill.
In South Hill, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in South Hill is around 4.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,905 for a solar installation, or $17,024 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in South Hill based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in South Hill can save about $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in South Hill, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,080 |
| 3 years | $-9,428 |
| 5 years | $-7,776 |
| 7 years | $-6,124 |
| 9 years | $-4,472 |
| 11 years | $-2,820 |
| 13 years | $-1,169 |
| 15 years | $483 |
| 17 years | $2,135 |
| 19 years | $3,787 |
| 21 years | $5,439 |
| 23 years | $7,091 |
| 25 years | $8,743 |
Top Solar Installers in South Hill
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 South Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Hill
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in South Hill: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 about $3,650. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just 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 South Hill to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices 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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in South Hill, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $3,114 | 20.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $4,560 | 20.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $6,212 | 20.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $8,067 | 19.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $10,127 | 19.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $12,391 | 18.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $14,860 | 18.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $17,533 | 18.1 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:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 South Hill, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Hill?
The average cost of solar panels in South Hill 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in South Hill?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.