Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hinsdale, NH (2024 Update)
- Hinsdale Solar Installation Cost: $14,758
- 25-Year Savings: $14,823
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hinsdale
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Hinsdale.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Hinsdale is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.0-kW system would cost about $14,758 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Hinsdale depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hinsdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,352 |
| 3 years | $-10,538 |
| 5 years | $-7,724 |
| 7 years | $-4,911 |
| 9 years | $-2,097 |
| 11 years | $717 |
| 13 years | $3,530 |
| 15 years | $6,344 |
| 17 years | $9,158 |
| 19 years | $11,971 |
| 21 years | $14,785 |
| 23 years | $17,599 |
| 25 years | $20,412 |
Top Solar Installers in Hinsdale
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Hinsdale, the EcoWatch team has 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Hinsdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hinsdale
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Hinsdale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hinsdale, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Hinsdale homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Hinsdale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $4.39 | $18,433 | $11,591 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $15,927 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $20,500 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $25,309 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $30,354 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $35,636 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $41,154 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $46,908 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Hinsdale, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hinsdale?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hinsdale?
Solar panels aren’t free in Hinsdale, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.