Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Hills, NY (2023 Update)

  • East Hills Solar Installation Cost: $7,950
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,421
  • Payback Period: 8.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 East Hills

Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in East Hills.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Hills it's 2.95 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in East Hills, most homeowners require a 3.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,950, or $11,368 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in East Hills

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-7,055
3 years $-5,266
5 years $-3,476
7 years $-1,686
9 years $103
11 years $1,893
13 years $3,683
15 years $5,472
17 years $7,262
19 years $9,052
21 years $10,841
23 years $12,631
25 years $14,421

Top Solar Installers in East Hills

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 East Hills

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Hills

For many East Hills homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in East Hills, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar 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 $2,950. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the East Hills average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many East Hills homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. East Hills' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in East Hills know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.07 $12,886 $21,993 9.2 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $29,654 9.1 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $37,480 8.9 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $45,472 8.7 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $53,629 8.5 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $61,951 8.3 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $70,438 8.2 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $79,091 8.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.

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 East Hills, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Hills?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in East Hills?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

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 East Hills is currently $883,993, which means you can look forward to a value of about $36,244 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in East Hills is a fruitful investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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.

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