Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hawthorne, NY (Oct 2022)
- Hawthorne Solar Installation Cost: $8,652
- 25-Year Savings: $24,687
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hawthorne
We go over average solar pricing in Hawthorne.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hawthorne generally cost about $3. The average solar panel system size in Hawthorne is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,652 for a solar installation, or $6,402 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Hawthorne can save around $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Hawthorne for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hawthorne
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,319 |
| 3 years | $-4,652 |
| 5 years | $-1,984 |
| 7 years | $683 |
| 9 years | $3,350 |
| 11 years | $6,017 |
| 13 years | $8,684 |
| 15 years | $11,351 |
| 17 years | $14,019 |
| 19 years | $16,686 |
| 21 years | $19,353 |
| 23 years | $22,020 |
| 25 years | $24,687 |
Top Solar Installers in Hawthorne
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Hawthorne, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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 Hawthorne
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hawthorne
The cost of installing a solar system in Hawthorne can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment Size
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Hawthorne. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hawthorne, 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Hawthorne homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Hawthorne is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Hawthorne are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $34,898 | 6.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $46,861 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $58,989 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $71,283 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $83,741 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $96,365 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $109,154 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $122,108 | 5.8 years |
Solar Incentives in Hawthorne
| Name | State of NY Commercial PACE Financing Program |
| Incentive Amount | Locally determined |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Solar Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Refundable Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit (Corporate) |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NY-Sun Loan Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Wood Heating Fuel Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Solar Sales Tax Exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Sales Tax Exemption |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Real Property Tax Exemption for Green Buildings |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Energy Conservation Improvements Property Tax Exemption |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Solar, Wind & Biomass Energy Systems Exemption |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NY-Sun PV Incentive Program (Residential, Low-Income, and Small Business) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Ground Source Heat Pump Rebate Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Home Performance with ENERGY STAR |
| Incentive Amount | |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | NY Green Bank |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Refundable Clean Heating Fuel Tax Credit (Personal) |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | On-Site Wind Incentive Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Anaerobic Digester Gas-to-Electricity Rebate and Performance Incentive |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: When looking through 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 the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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 Hawthorne, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hawthorne?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hawthorne?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hawthorne?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 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.
