Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Hills, NY (2024 Update)

  • West Hills Solar Installation Cost: $9,930
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,345
  • Payback Period: 11.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Hills

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in West Hills.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Hills it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.9-kW system would cost about $9,930 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $22,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Hills find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in West Hills for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in West Hills

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,405
3 years $-5,354
5 years $-2,303
7 years $747
9 years $3,798
11 years $6,849
13 years $9,899
15 years $12,950
17 years $16,001
19 years $19,051
21 years $22,102
23 years $25,153
25 years $28,204

Top Solar Installers in West Hills

Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in West Hills:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 West Hills

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Hills

There are many criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like West Hills, where sunlight is relatively 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

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many West Hills homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in West Hills, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 $18,592 11.5 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $25,198 11.3 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $32,009 11.1 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $39,024 10.9 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $46,243 10.7 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $53,667 10.4 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $61,295 10.2 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $69,128 10.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication 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 considerable role in the company you opt for.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's West Hills, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Hills?

The average cost of solar panels in West Hills 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in West Hills?

You can’t get solar panels for free in West Hills. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in West Hills is currently $917,433, which means you could be looking at a value of about $37,615 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in West Hills is a rewarding investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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